October 2026

Dear Buhrer Dual Language Academy Families,

We would like to thank all of our students and families for a strong start to the school year! As we move into October, we have several important updates and celebrations to share.

The link to our Emergency Protocol Procedures has been updated. Please take a few moments to review this important information to ensure you are familiar with our school safety procedures.

Our September attendance data is included in this newsletter. We would like to give a special shoutout to our 3rd Grade students, who achieved the highest attendance rate in September! We are also proud to celebrate 139 students who earned Perfect Attendance for the month. These students arrived on time every day and remained at school for the entire instructional day. Excellent attendance is one of the most important factors in student success, and we appreciate your continued partnership in making attendance a priority.

October is an important month for student learning and achievement as we begin state and college readiness testing. Our 3rd Grade students will take the English Language Arts (ELA) Ohio State Test, and our 8th Grade students will participate in the PSAT. Please review the testing schedule included below for specific assessment dates and important information. Thank you for your partnership in supporting our students as they demonstrate all they have learned!

Hispanic Heritage Month Spirit Week will be the week of October 12th. Please see below before all of the details by day!

We will be announcing our September Students of the Month soon. Be on the lookout for this exciting recognition!

The October school calendar has been sent home, posted on our social media pages, and is included in this newsletter. Please review it carefully for important dates and upcoming events.

We are excited to launch a Zero Period Chess Club beginning October 12. The club will meet on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8:35 a.m. Students who are interested in participating must sign up in advance.

If you have not already done so, please be sure to follow our school's social media pages. Our social media links can be found below in this newsletter and are a great way to stay informed about school news, events, and celebrations.

We currently have 82% of our parents signed up for Parent Portal Gradebook. This allows you to see you student's grades and missing assignments. If you are not signed up and need support, please let us know and we are happy to help. Quarter 1 of school ends 10/23. Please be logging in to check your students progress.

Finally, mark your calendars for our Fall Fest on October 30! More information will be coming home soon in a letter that students will bring home.

Thank you for your continued support of Buhrer Dual Language Academy. We look forward to a wonderful month of learning, growth, and community engagement!

Warm regards,

Michele Ibarra and Kelly Cantrell
Principal & Assistant Principal

Buhrer Dual Language Academy

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

Thank you to all of the families who attended our 8th Grade High School Meeting. As a follow-up, I am sharing the CMSD High School Choice webpage so that you can begin exploring and learning about the high school options available for your student.

Please take some time to review the information and start thinking about the schools that may be the best fit for your child. You can access the High School Choice information here:

CMSD High School Choice Information

If you have any questions or would like support as you review your options, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help guide you through the process.

Thank you for your partnership and support as we prepare our students for the next step in their educational journey.

🎉 Hispanic Heritage Month Spirit Week 🎉

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Buhrer Dual Language Academy will be hosting a special Spirit Week! We encourage all students and staff to participate as we honor the rich cultures, traditions, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities around the world.

Monday, October 12 – Pioneers of Change / Career Day
Dress as an influential Hispanic trailblazer, leader, or professional who has made a positive impact in their field.

Tuesday, October 13 – Flag Day
Wear the vibrant colors, symbols, or traditional patterns that represent the flags of Spanish-speaking nations.

Wednesday, October 14 – "Como La Flor" & Fiesta Day
Celebrate with bright colors, festive attire, floral patterns, flower crowns, traditional cultural clothing, or shirts that proudly represent your heritage.

Thursday, October 15 – Fútbol & Sports Jersey Day
Wear your favorite jersey from a Hispanic national team, professional soccer club, or other sports team.

Friday, October 16 – Team Up for the Future / Solid Color Day
Grade bands will coordinate and wear matching solid colors to show unity and school spirit. Specific grade-level colors will be shared soon.

We look forward to seeing our students and staff celebrate the diversity, pride, and cultural richness that make our school community so special. Let's make this a fun and meaningful week for everyone! 🌎🎉⚽🌺

When a student is absent, a written note from a parent or guardian should be submitted to the school as soon as the student returns.

• Please provide an excuse note for every student absence.

• The note should include the student's name, date(s) of absence, and reason for the absence.

• Absences will be reviewed and recorded according to district and state attendance guidelines.

• Our goal is to ensure that every eligible absence is properly documented and recorded as excused.

Timely submission of absence notes helps the school maintain accurate attendance records and supports compliance with state attendance requirements.

Excused absences consist of:

• Personal illness or health conditions

• Illness or death in the immediate family

• Quarantine of the home

• Observance of religious holidays

• Professional appointments (doctor, dentist)

Click below for Attendance Monitoring and Intervention Information

Families are required to complete the Absences due to Upcoming Vacation or Travel Form, if they plan to be absent for a vacation.

As a reminder:

1. Extended absences may have upon a student's school progress.

2. Teachers are not obligated to prepare work for students to take with them. Teachers are not obligated to permit make-up work if proper arrangements have not been made prior to departure. Parents and students assume full responsibility for any tests or assignments missed during the period of absence.

3. The student will have the number of days they were absent to make up any test or assignments missed during the period of absence. Assignments, if given ahead of time, are due on the day of return to school in order to assure the teachers that the student is up to date with the classroom activities.

4. Absences due to vacation or travel are unexcused absences.

5. Know that prolonged absences can negatively impact the student’s grades.

Thank you to our students and families for helping us start the school year strong! Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in student success. When students attend school every day, they have more opportunities to learn, build relationships, and stay connected to their classroom community.

September Attendance Rates by Grade Level:

• Preschool: 82.68% Attendance
• Kindergarten: 89.89% Attendance
  
• Grade 1: 89.73% Attendance
• Grade 2: 87.21% Attendance
• Grade 3: 91.56% Attendance
• Grade 4: 88.26% Attendance
• Grade 5: 87.57% Attendance
• Grade 6: 89.31% Attendance
• Grade 7: 89.45% Attendance
• Grade 8: 88.02% Attendance

🎉 Congratulations to Grade 3 on the highest attendance for September!

This year, we will share attendance updates monthly by grade level so families can celebrate successes and help us reach our attendance goals together. Every day counts, and even a few missed days can add up over time.

Let's work together to make October our best attendance month yet! 🏆

Remember: Every Student. Every Day. On Time. 📅✅

Bell Schedule

Breakfast: 9:05am - 9:35am

• Doors open at 9:05am. There is no adult supervision until then. Please do not drop off your students any earlier than 9:05am.

School hours: 9:35am - 4:05pm

• K-3 Dismissal begins at 3:45pm
• 4-8 Dismissal begins at 3:55pm
• Bus Dismissal begins at 4pm

We ask parents to consider seriously the effect extended absences may have upon a student's school progress. The district calendar is listed and linked below for your advance planning. Appointments and vacations should be scheduled around the school calendar.

District Calendar

We ask parents to consider seriously the effect extended absences may have upon a student's school progress. The district calendar is listed and linked below for your advance planning. Appointments and vacations should be scheduled around the school calendar.

Below are the calendars for October:

Upcoming Events

10/6: PAC Meeting at 10am

10/8: Dress Down Day $1

10/9: Fall Break - NO SCHOOL

10/21: Anti Bullying Day- Wear Orange

10/23: PreK Teacher Professional Development - NO SCHOOL FOR PreK Students

10/23: Pajama Day $2

10/23: End of Marking Period 1

10/26: 3rd Grade OST

10/26: Picture Re-take Day

10/27: K-1 Field Trip

10/30: Fall Fest

November Dates to Think Ahead:

11/2: Parent Teacher Conferences- No school for students

11/3: Election Day: No School

11/5: 4th Grade Aquamission (final day)

11/6: Dress Down Day $1

11/10: PAC Meeting

11/11: Veterans Day: No School

11/12: Literacy Night 5pm-7pm

11/17: High School Choice Portal Night (4:30)

11/19: Kindergarten Field Trip to Shaker Lakes

11/20: Pajama Day

11/23: Flannel Day

11/24: Friendsgiving- Twin Day

11/25-11/27: Thanksgiving Break: No School

Stay connected with all the exciting things happening at Buhrer Dual Language Academy! Our social media pages are the best place to find school updates, important reminders, event information, student celebrations, and pictures that capture special memories throughout the school year.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay informed and engaged with our school community. You can find the links to our social media pages below. We look forward to sharing our Buhrer pride with you!

Facebook

Instagram

All devices will be collected at entry, locked away to ensure devices are safely stored. All devices will be returned to students at dismissal.

Buhrer's Cellphones, Smartwatches, Airpods & Headphones Policies

Directory information includes student’s name, address, telephone number(s), date and

place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, achievement

awards or honors, student’s weight and height, if a member of an athletic team, major

field of study, dates of attendance and date of graduation.

Directory information will be released to anyone without a parent’s written consent

unless this form is completed and returned to your child’s school.

If you want to opt out of the directory, complete the form below and return it to Ms. Scott for processing:

English Opt-Out Form

Spanish Opt-Out Form

At Buhrer Dual Language Academy, we believe that a positive school climate is essential for academic success. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We teach, model, and reinforce positive behaviors so that students develop the skills necessary to be successful in school and beyond.

Our School-Wide Expectations

• Caring (Cariñoso) – Show kindness, respect, and empathy toward others.

• Motivated (Motivado) – Come to school prepared, engaged, and ready to learn.

• Safe (Seguro) – Make choices that promote a safe environment for everyone.

• Determined (Decidido) – Persevere through challenges and strive for personal growth.

Click below to see the:

Behavior Expectation and Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support System

Buhrer Dual Language Academy is proud to offer a Two-Way Dual Language Program using a 50/50 instructional model. Our program brings together native English speakers and native Spanish speakers in a collaborative learning environment where students learn with and from one another while developing high levels of proficiency in both English and Spanish.

Through daily instruction in both languages, students build strong academic foundations, develop cultural competence, and gain the skills needed to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world. Our ultimate goal is for every student to become bilingual, biliterate, academically successful, and culturally competent by the time they complete our program.

For more information on our dual language program, click the link below:

Buhrer's Dual Language Program

Below is a link to parent emergency information. Please read so you are prepared if there is an emergency at the school.

The links below have been updated:

Guía de preparación para emergencias para padres

Parent_Emergency_Guide

Buhrer Dual Language Academy is committed to ensuring that all students have access to healthy meals each day.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served daily from 9:05 a.m. to 9:35 a.m. Students who arrive during the breakfast service window are encouraged to participate so they can begin the school day nourished and ready to learn.

Free Meals for All Students

All students at Buhrer Dual Language Academy are eligible to receive free breakfast and free lunch each school day. We encourage students to take advantage of these nutritious meal options that support their health, well-being, and academic success.

For a menu, click on the link below:

Menu

To maintain a safe, secure, and orderly learning environment, food deliveries to students during the school day are not permitted. This includes deliveries from restaurants, delivery services, family members, or other individuals.

Food deliveries can disrupt instruction, create security concerns, and interfere with the daily operations of the school. Families are encouraged to send any necessary food items with their child when they arrive at school and to take advantage of the school's free breakfast and lunch program.

We enjoy recognizing our students' special days and ask families to work closely with teachers when planning a classroom birthday celebration.

• Birthday celebrations must be coordinated with the homeroom teacher at least 48 hours in advance.
• Celebrations will be held at the end of the school day beginning at 3:00 p.m. to minimize interruptions to instructional time.
• Families should communicate directly with the homeroom teacher regarding any treats or celebration plans.
• All food items must comply with school guidelines and any classroom allergy or dietary restrictions.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us celebrate our students while maintaining a positive and productive learning environment.

MyPowerHub PowerSchool, our online grade book portal.

This fall, families will have real-time access to their child's assignment grades through an app on their phone or from their computer. Teachers will update grades ensuring you are always informed about your child's progress. Join us in enhancing the collaboration between home and school for a brighter educational future. You will receive the link to the Parent and Student Portal, and the Access ID for the students once school starts.

Click below to access the link:

PowerSchool Parent Portal

Currently we have 82.2% of parents signed up to access the Parent Portal. Our Goal is 100%.

The main office opens for parent assistance at 9:45 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.

If you need to meet with administration after 3:25 p.m., please contact the front office to make an appointment.

Parent Access During Morning Arrival

Parents and guardians are not permitted to enter the building during morning arrival.

This procedure helps maintain a safe, calm, and organized start to the school day for all students.

We invite all families to join our Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) and share their voice on important school events, policies, procedures, and initiatives. Your feedback and ideas are valuable as we work together to make our school the best it can be for all students.

PAC meetings provide an opportunity to discuss all aspects of school life, collaborate with school leadership, and help shape decisions that impact our students and families. Your voice matters, and we encourage you to be part of the conversation.

📅 When: First Tuesday of every month
🕙 Time: 10:00 a.m.
📍 Location: School Library

We look forward to partnering with you to continue improving our school community!

Say Yes Family Support Specialist Ms. Luz Diaz.

Phone Number: (216) 538-4490

Email: ldiaz@sayyescleveland.org

Say Yes Cleveland support services can include:

• Legal assistance for every student and family
  

• Academic tutoring

• Food assistance

• Behavioral and mental health services

• Medical and dental services

• Vision testing and services

• Clothing and home needs

• Technology access and help for remote learning

• Housing assistance

• And much more!

For additional information for School Closures, click on the link below:

School Closures

The dates below are the testing windows for required assessments. Dates are subject to change, and the actual day your child will be tested will be communicated by the classroom teacher.

Early Learning Assessment (ELA)

Grade PreK

Sept. 8 – Nov 13, 2026

Panorama Survey

Grades 3-12

Sept. 28 – Oct. 8, 2026

PSAT: 8th Grade

October 12-26

Ohio State Test: Third Grade Reading Guarantee

October 26-30

Students are expected to use school-issued devices, internet access, and digital resources in ways that support learning and reflect our school values of being Caring, Motivated, Safe, and Determined.

Students should:

• Use technology for educational purposes.
• Treat devices and equipment with care and responsibility.
• Follow teacher directions when using technology.
• Communicate respectfully and appropriately online.
• Respect the privacy and work of others.
• Use school accounts only for authorized educational activities.
• Report any inappropriate content, messages, or online behavior to a trusted adult immediately.

Misuse of technology may result in the loss of technology privileges and/or disciplinary consequences in accordance with the CMSD Student Code of Conduct.

Student safety extends beyond the classroom and into the digital world. Families play an important role in helping students develop safe online habits.

Students should:

• Never share personal information online, including home addresses, phone numbers, passwords, school schedules, or other identifying information.
• Use strong passwords and keep them private.
• Only communicate online with people they know and trust.
• Think carefully before posting pictures, comments, or information online.
• Tell a parent, guardian, teacher, or trusted adult if they encounter anything online that makes them uncomfortable or feels unsafe.
• Be respectful and kind when interacting with others online.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to:

• Monitor their child's online activity and device use.
• Establish family expectations for screen time and internet use.
• Discuss online safety and digital responsibility regularly.
• Encourage students to report concerns or inappropriate online behavior.
• Keep computers and devices in common family areas when possible.

Everything posted, shared, or communicated online contributes to a person's digital footprint. Students should understand that information shared online may be permanent and can affect future educational, personal, and professional opportunities.

We encourage students to:

• Think before they post.
• Use technology to make positive contributions.
• Show kindness and respect in all online interactions.
• Consider whether a message, photo, or comment would be appropriate if viewed by teachers, family members, or future employers.

By working together, families and school staff can help students develop the skills necessary to be safe, responsible, and ethical users of technology in our increasingly digital world.

The department is requiring all families prior to school start to opt in for transportation. For further information regarding opting in, parents can call (216) 838-0000 before the start of school or during the school year. You do not lose your eligibility status for transportation if you choose not to opt in. For additional information, click on the link below:

Transportation

For school support, please contact our Bus Coordinator, Mrs. Rivera at 216-838-8350.

Edulog Parent Portal monitors the location of school buses as they travel their routes across the city. By connecting to Edulog Parent Portal, you can see how close the bus is to the bus stop and the current transportation assignment. Also, new student ID cards contain a bar code that when swiped on the bus will let parents know when and where their student gets on and off. The ID card doubles as a Cleveland Public Library card. Edulog Parent Portal is available for all routed students.

To get started have your child's District ID number ready. Don't have it? Child's guardian can visit their school to obtain the District ID number. The District ID number is the same as your Student ID number.

ALWAYS call the front office to inform of an early pick up or if there is a change in transportation. Please do so by 2:30pm.

Not only do we need time to inform the classroom teachers, but we also need to inform all involved in the dismissal process to ensure your child goes where he/she is supposed to be at the end of the day. (216) 838-8350

Please make an appointment with Mrs. Colon, Dean of Engagement, to set up a meeting to go over the volunteer expectations and guidelines. Approval and clearance by Mrs. Colon is a prerequisite to be able to volunteer in classrooms and at events.

For additional information, click the link below:

Volunteer Information

We will continue to use uniforms this upcoming school year.

Buhrer Dual Language Academy

Michele Ibarra, Principal

Kelly Cantrell, Assistant Principal (Subdirectora)

Bemelyss Colón, Dean of Engagement (Decana)

Email: michele.sanchez@clevelandmetroschools.org
Website: www.clevelandmetroschools.org/buhrer
Location: 1600 Buhrer Avenue, Cleveland, OH, United States
Phone: 216-838-8350