remove_red_eye 170
page background

Waltham Elementary School

Where Kids Come First

WalthamElementary SchoolWhere Kids Come First

Dear Families,


I'm pleased to inform you that starting this week, we have transitioned to our regular dismissal times and procedures for the school year. All preschool - 8th grade students will be dismissed at 3:10 p.m., with the exception of Wednesdays when our adjusted schedule will be in effect.


As mentioned previously, I’d like to highlight two key goals for the school year that we will be focusing on:

  1. Improving Student Attendance: We believe that regular attendance is crucial to academic success, and we are committed to working with families to ensure that each student is present and engaged in their learning. Your support in encouraging consistent attendance is greatly appreciated.

  2. Enhancing School Pride: Building a strong sense of pride and belonging within our school community is vital. We will be focusing on celebrating our successes and fostering an environment where every student feels valued and motivated. Together, we can create a school culture that everyone is proud to be a part of.


Another item that is always at the top of our list of priorities is student and staff safety. This year, we have adopted the "I Love U Guys" Foundation's Standard Response Protocol (SRP). This protocol provides a consistent, clear, and shared language and actions among all students, staff, and first responders. Below, you will find more information on this protocol to help you understand how we are ensuring safety in our school.


Thank you for your continued partnership as we strive to make this school year a success. If you have any questions or need further clarification on our dismissal procedures, school goals, or the SRP, please don’t hesitate to reach out.



Mrs. Melanie Lukacsy,
Principal

Improving Student Attendance

Improving Student Attendance: A Schoolwide Priority


As we kick off the new school year, one of our top priorities is improving student attendance. During the 2023-2024 school year, we saw 14% of our student body missing 10% or more of the school year. Even more concerning, 10 students missed between 15% and 32% of the entire year. Regular attendance is crucial for academic success, and we are committed to addressing this issue head-on.


In response, we have established an Attendance Committee dedicated to tackling chronic truancy and absenteeism. This committee is composed of key school personnel and is further strengthened by the inclusion of our Regional Office of Education Student & Family Services Coordinator. Together, we will work to identify the root causes of absenteeism, support students and families, and implement effective strategies to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.


This year, our committee will be taking a deep dive into attendance and sending out the required parent letters and notifications. We have some fun things planned in regard to attendance celebrations. We are hopeful that next year's numbers are down significantly with these proactive approaches!


We look forward to working closely with our school community to improve attendance and ensure that every student is present, engaged, and ready to learn.

open_in_new zoom_out_map

Enhanced School Pride

We would like to share a recent celebration with all our families and community!


Last week, Waltham Elementary School was awarded a 2024 Thrive Award from GreatSchools.org for demonstrating a positive, supportive learning environment!


Please visit our social media pages to share in the schoolwide celebration, or to share with your own friends and family!

Student and Staff Safety

Our school has adopted The "I Love U Guys" Foundation's Standard Response Protocol (SRP). Students and staff will be trained and drilling the protocol.


The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is based on an all-hazards approach as opposed to individual scenarios. There is clear, common language used while allowing flexibility in protocol.


The premise is simple - there are five specific actions that can be performed during an incident. When communicating these, the action is labeled with a "Term of Art" and is then followed by a "Directive." Execution of the action is performed by active participants, including students, staff, teachers, and first responders. The SRP is based on the following actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. Additional information is attached below.

pdf
insert_drive_file
Standard Response Protocol Parent Handout
Download
685.2 KB

2024/25 School Calendar

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2065/WESD/4553672/2024_2025_School_Calendar_-_Sheet1__1_.pdf

Stay Connected

  • Download the Waltham Elementary School App using either:
  • Android: https://bit.ly/3fezeBS or
  • iPhone: https://apple.co/2QoGMIC



  • Website: www.wesd185.org
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/WalthamPride
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/walthampride185
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/walthampride185/
zoom_out_map

Waltham Elementary School

Email: waltham@wesd185.org
Website: http://www.wesd185.org/
Location: 2902 Illinois 178, North Utica, IL, USA
Phone: 815-667-4417
Facebook: facebook.com/WalthamPride/
Twitter: @WalthamPride185

Waltham Elementary School
www.wesd185.org
Loading indicator

close
Powered by