Leighton Update

Dear Leighton Families,

We have just concluded an incredibly busy and rewarding week, and I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our parents for your outstanding participation in every aspect of school life. From the heartwarming "random acts of kindness" witnessed during our Kindness Spirit Week, to the productive and vital conversations held during Parent-Teacher Conferences, your engagement makes our school community special. We also had a blast kicking off our Kids Heart Challenge with a school wide assembly, topped off by the Principals taking pies to the face to celebrate our Fall Bubble Run success. Once again, thank you for your generosity and support.

Additionally, huge thank you to our amazing staff and students for making Leighton's Spirit Week such a resounding success! It was inspiring to see such high levels of participation in each of our theme days, bringing a vibrant energy to our hallways. At Leighton, we want to honor the Green Standard and strive to "Lead the Way" with kindness!

A special shout-out goes to our Leighton Leaders, who did a tremendous job promoting the event and encouraging their peers to get involved. Throughout the week, we witnessed countless random acts of kindness, proving that our students truly understand the value of looking out for one another. This spirit of goodwill provided the perfect kickoff for our Kids Heart Challenge. The newsletter contains just a fraction of the incredible spirit our students and staff showed all week.

A reminder that students will not have school this upcoming Friday, March 6th for our staff professional development day.

Sincerely,

Spencer Warders

Principal

Leighton Elementary

Our Leighton Legends are students who have shown a tremendous demonstration of our three PBIS expected behaviors pillar of Being Respectful, Being Responsible and Being a Problem Solver.

The Leighton Legends for the month of February are:

3rd Graders: Tucker Busby, Joseph Doria, Teddy Mitchell, Piper Stayanchi, Beau Braydich and Freyja Drobtij

4th Graders: Enzo Abbomerato, Sawyer Dzurilla, Celia Snider, Grant Bucio, Emerson Vargo and Riley Shoffstall

5th Graders: Thanish Devarapalli, Katelyn Clague, Evan Fellenstein, Grace Wilk, Mason Redmond and Alex Fienga

Outstanding job!

Last week, Mr. Abramovich sent a message via Final Forms regarding the music selection process for our current 5th graders. If you haven't already, please complete the included Google Form to ensure your child’s elective preference is recorded. This information is vital for the Harmon Middle School team as they finalize scheduling for the 2026-2027 school year.

In addition to scheduling, we are working hard to prepare our students for the exciting move to 6th grade. The Harmon School Counselors, Mrs. Meintel and Mrs. Gealy, recently visited our 5th graders to discuss the transition. They shared insights into "a day in the life" of a 6th grader, explained new class structures, and answered student questions regarding available resources and supports. We are committed to making this pivotal transition as smooth and positive as possible for every student!

Class of 2033 Rising 6th Grade Scheduling Request Form

To prepare for the future Aurora City Schools’ facility needs, the district has been examining facility master plan options. Over the next 12 weeks, our Superintendent, Dr. Paul Milcetich, will be providing videos and facts about the Aurora City Schools Essential Plan, which will be a bond issue planned for the November ballot. Below are the current videos and resources available to stay informed on this important plan.

Introducing The Essential Plan - "Why Now?"

The Heart of the Plan: A New 1-3 Elementary School

Triage Items: Urgent Facility Repairs

Click Here For The Essential Plan District Website

This past week our students in Mrs. VanFossen's class held their annual Food Truck night event. Students shared insight on different cultural culinary cuisine while sharing samplings they made with family and friends. Our students did a tremendous job with the event and presentation. We want to thank all of the families and staff who attended to make it extra meaningful.

Yearbook order forms for 25-26 have been sent home with your child. Physical payments should be sent back to the school with your child or dropped off by parents in the enclosed envelope to the main office. The due date for physical payments is March 9th. Alternatively, you can order online using the provided instructions on the form or QR code. The online order due date is open until March 16th. Please be advised that Leighton does not purchase “extra yearbooks” and the only way to guarantee you will have a yearbook for this school year is to purchase one now during this window.

Click Here for PDF of Leighton Yearbook Order Form

Students in 24 club using their critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration skills to solve the 24 activities recently during one of the club sessions.

By participating in Kids Heart Challenge, our students will learn how to keep their hearts, bodies and brains healthy while helping kids with special hearts live longer, healthier lives.

It's a fun and meaningful way for our students to learn lifelong habits of health and helping others, while supporting and earning rewards for our school.

Leighton Kids Heart Challenge Page

March 6th: No School Teacher Professional Development

March 13th: End of 3rd Grading Period

March 16th: 5th General Music Concert 6:30-8

March 23-27: Spring Break

April 3: No School

April 6:No School

April 30: 2nd to 3rd grade parent orientation 6:00 pm

Click Here For Leighton 25-26 Important Dates Calendar

Click Here For Leighton's Lunch Menu

You can track your child's lunch account by setting up your profile. You may also send in cash or a check written out to the Aurora City Schools.

Click Here To Add Money To Your Child's Lunch Account

Change In Transportation Form

Click For Leighton Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

When reporting your child's absence, please call 330-562-2209 and select option 1. You will be prompted to leave a message with the name of your child and the reason for the absence. If you need to talk to our attendance secretary, Mrs. Mariah George, please select 0 and you will be connected during normal school hours.