Wickliffe Family Update

Dear Wickliffe Families,

Week two has been a success! Our students are continuing to build their stamina, deepen their understanding of classroom and schoolwide expectations, and begin engaging more fully in our district curriculum.

Your child’s teacher will communicate regularly about the learning happening in the classroom and share ways you can continue supporting your child at home. We truly value your partnership and know that our students are most successful when families and school work together.

This past week, we also held our first schoolwide Town Meeting. We welcomed our kindergarten students, new students in grades 1–5, and all of our new staff members to the Wickliffe PACK!

This year, we are focusing on what it means to be a Wickliffe Wolf and how that should show up in our words, actions, and the ways we care for one another. We want every student to understand that they play an important role in making Wickliffe a welcoming, joyful, and caring place to learn.

Thank you for sharing your children with us and for your continued partnership. We are looking forward to another wonderful week together!

Angela

August 31st: Parent Information Night / Elementary Gifted Services, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. @ Jones

September 1st: Religious Expression Forms Due

September 1st: Town Meeting @ 8:30 a.m.

September 3rd: PTO Primo Spirit Wear Extended Deadline

September 3rd: PTO Fall Flower/Mum Sales End

September 3rd: (UPDATED DATE) Parent Information Night / Elementary Gifted Services, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. @ Hastings

September 5th: Hope Garden Dedication Ceremony, UAHS @ 5:30 p.m.

September 7th: No School - Labor Day Holiday

September 7th: Meet, Play, and Learn with Dr,. Hunt @ Wickliffe Playground, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

September 11th: PTO Fall Flower / Mum Pick-Up @ Wickliffe 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

September 16th: Early Release @ 1:00 p.m.

September 21st: PTO Book Fair

September 21-25: Start with Hello Week

September 25th: PTO Fall Fest, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

October 15th: PTO Fun Run, Walk & Roll

October 23rd: School Picture Make-Up Day

• The Wickliffe Progressive Elementary School Library Birthday Book Program is a program in which your child can celebrate their birthday in a special way -- and also help our library collection continue to grow at the same time.
• Participation involves a $15 fee per book, and your child gets to select a new book from the library's "Birthday Bookshelf." That book is then added to the library collection. The book's inside front cover will have their name and birthday inscribed on a bookplate, and your child also gets to be the first person to check out that new book.
• If you are interested in participating, please complete this order form and turn it in with a check for $15 per child. (The check should be made out to: U.A. Schools) Order forms and checks may be given to Mrs. Young or Mrs. Coplin, who will then help yqur child select a book near their birthday. (For summer birthdays, we have children pick books on their half-birthday).
• You can join the Birthday Book Program at any time during the school year, and your generosity benefits all of our students.

We are receiving multiple emails from families regarding students riding home with friends. Please be advised that this practice is not currently permitted.

At the beginning of each new school year, we request that students ride only on their assigned bus. This is necessary so route drivers can become acquainted with their assigned students and so that we can create/maintain seating charts, which are required through ODEW.

Effective Dates / Policy

• Beginning Monday, August 31, 2026:
  Students are not permitted to ride any bus other than their assigned bus until after October 9, 2026.
• Exception (Limited):
  Students may only ride with another bus in sitter/care provider circumstances that have been authorized through Transportation and communicated to the school.

What to Do If You Need an Exception

If you believe your situation qualifies as an approved exception, please contact Transportation for authorization and ensure the approval is shared with the school.

Thank you for your cooperation and support of student safety and required transportation procedures. If you have questions, please reach out to the our transportation department: schoolbusquestions@uaschools.org.

Bring the family and join Dr. Hunt for an evening of fun and facts about the Nov. 3 ballot issue.

• September 7th, 6:30pm-7:30pm at the Wickliffe playground!

Welcome to the new school year! Our nurses are available to administer first aid treatment, evaluate symptoms of illness or injury, and perform other medical procedures. The nurse will notify appropriate teachers and staff of student health problems that may be of concern in the classroom. We have a passion for working with students and helping them feel their best, so they are ready to learn.

The Ohio Department of Health requires annual vision and hearing screenings for children in kindergarten, first, third, and fifth grade, as well as all students new to the district. These screenings will be done this fall. Screenings can also be performed at various other times during the year at a parent's or teacher's request. Students who have difficulty with the initial screening are re-screened. If there are concerns, parents are notified, and follow-up by a health care provider may be recommended.

Should you wish to opt your student out of vision and hearing screenings this year, please complete and return this form to us: 2026-2027 Vision and Hearing Screening Waiver.

Per Ohio Revised Code Section 3313.671, new students (kindergartners and students new to the district) are required to have documentation of certain immunizations on file at their school. The state of Ohio allows a 14-day period after the start of the school year to submit the immunizations. Additional information and exceptions to this requirement can be found HERE. To view the Ohio Immunization Summary for School Attendance, please click HERE. We will reach out to you if there are any questions about your student's record.

If your child has a special health concern of which we are not already aware, such as a food allergy, diagnosis of asthma, etc., or an update to a previous health concern, please let us know so we can best support them during the school year.

Many questions arise regarding the administration of medication at school. While we encourage medication to be administered at home, we understand this is not always possible. All prescription medication administered at school requires written authorization from the student’s physician and parent. (Parents can sign for many common over-the-counter medications.) Medication authorization forms and other health forms can be found on the district website at UA Health Forms.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

614-487-5150 x 6536

Janice Walsh, MSN, RN, Licensed School Nurse jlwalsh@uaschools.org

and

Kristin Murphy, BSN, RN kmurphy@uaschools.org

The nurse's office is desperately in need of girls underwear in all sizes! If your child has outgrown theirs or you would like to donate some to the clinic, we would welcome any and all sizes!!

Thank you for considering!

Routes To and From School During Arrival and Dismissal:

• There are many ways to travel to and from Wickliffe! If your child is walking or biking, please remind them to cross at the designated marked crosswalks. When on school property – which includes crosswalks and sidewalks – students must walk their bicycles.

• Please do not drop your child off in either parking lot during the 8:00-8:15 time frame. You will need to use the car line.

• In the AM walkers can enter at the front or back part of the building.

• In the PM walkers will exit the building out back near the black top/playground. Siblings/parents will meet out back. Walkers will NOT be dismissed out front near the bus lane. Only bussers/daycare vans will exit out the front.

• As students walk home, they will need to follow the same safety precautions of walking on the sidewalks around the building.

• If you plan to meet your child at dismissal, please determine the spot that your child is supposed to meet you. This will help your child know where to find you at the end of the day. Please plan for this spot to be out back and not in the front part of the building.

• If you are driving and plan to park your car and then pick up your child on foot, please follow the suggested street parking signs. There should be no parking along Cimmaron Rd. and Eastcleft Dr. during morning drop-off. There should be no parking along Eastleft during dismissal. We will have a number of students moving around in those areas and, for safety, it’s best if students and families are not crossing in areas where our car drop off/pick up occurs.

• Cimmaron Rd. is available for parking on both sides at the end of the day for parents who want to pick their children up on the playground by foot.

• On inclement weather days, students will report inside and remain in the Town Square until 8:10 am.

• Will arrive at school and stay on the bus until 8:10 when the morning bell rings. Students will then enter the building and go directly to their classrooms.

• Students will get picked up by the bus at the end of the day in the bus lane at the front of the building (Wickliffe Road)

• On inclement weather days, students on our bus will stay on the bus until the first bell at 8:10.

• Please use the bike racks that are at the back/front of the building near the blacktop.

• Please remind your child that when riding their bike, they need to start walking once they are on school sidewalks.

Car Line:

• AM Drop Off:

• The car line involves driving along Eastcleft Dr. from the east and dropping your child off at the designated areas just before the indent in the sidewalk. (When in doubt, look for the signs for car drop off.) In the drop off area, there are aides and teachers on duty from 8:00am through 8:15am and 2:50pm through 3:05pm. To use the car line, please pull all the way forward in your car, as far as you can, and then you can let your child(ren) out of the car once you are in the drop off zone. All students K-5 can use the car lines.

• PM Pick Up:

• ALL students will get picked up on Eastcleft Dr. at the end of the day.

• Please place a sign in your window with your child’s name and grade on the passenger side of the car.

• Car Line Drop off/Pick up reminders:

• Pull all the way up to the front of the drop off lane.

• Do NOT allow your child to exit the car outside of the drop off and pick up zone as it slows the car line.

• Children need to exit/enter on the right side of the car.

• Students need to be ready to get out of the car as you pull forward (backpacks and lunch boxes in hand).

• DO NOT pull around cars after you drop your child off. Please stay with the flow of the line. While we know people are in a hurry in the morning, our priority is the safety of everyone.

• Parents need to stay in the car during drop off/pick up. The teachers on duty will help assist with getting students out of the car.

• Please keep your child in the car until you see an adult on duty at 8:00 am.

• If your child arrives past 8:15, and there is not a teacher out on duty, please bring them to the front office to check in.

• DO NOT drop your child off in either parking lot during the 8:00-8:15 time frame. You will need to use the car line.

• There is NO parking, drop off or pick up in the Eastcleft Drive staff parking lot. This is a dangerous spot with the potential of students crossing on foot and bikes coming and going at that time.

• PLEASE do not block the entrance to the staff parking lot.

Tardiness

Our doors open at 8:10 a.m. Students must be in their classroom by 8:15 a.m.

• If you arrive after 8:15 a.m., your student will need to sign in at the Main Office.

Note: Exceptions may be made in the instance of a long car line due to inclement weather, etc. If you do not see an adult monitoring the car line, you must bring your child to the office (or drop them off by the front entrance).

Reporting an Absence

A parent or guardian should email wickliffeattendance@uaschools.org by 8:30 a.m. on any day their student will be absent. Please include your student's first and last name in the email. If you are aware of an upcoming absence, you are welcome to email in advance. Please include your student's teacher in the same message—there’s no need to send separate emails.

If your student's teacher marks them absent, and we haven’t received an email by 9:15 a.m., you will receive an automated call as a reminder to contact the Attendance Office so we can update their attendance.

• If you have already reported the absence and still receive an automated call, no further action is needed—thank you!

Reporting a Change in Dismissal Plans

Please email wickliffeattendance@uaschools.org and copy the classroom teacher or call (614) 487-5150 if there is a change in your student's normal dismissal plans for the day or week. Notifying the office and classroom teacher ensures that our dismissal team (bus, daycare van, and carline) will be aware that your student has alternate plans.

• Attention parents! The deadline for the Golden Bear Summer Discovery Project is fast approaching on September 30th.

• Be sure your student turns in their completed form to the main office secretary to claim a special prize for all their hard work this summer!

We are very happy to e-introduce our new Syntero social worker, Abi LaRoche:

Hello!

My name is Abi LaRoche, and I am thrilled to be joining the Wickliffe school community as a Syntero School-Based Clinician. I can't wait to get to know your students and support them in this chapter of their life.

A little about me: I am a graduate of The Ohio State University and a licensed social worker. For the past 10 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside students and families in school and recreation settings. One of my greatest passions is helping young people discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to move from surviving to thriving.

A little more about Syntero and the school-based prevention services offered: Syntero is Grant-funded programming available through levy dollars as distributed by the Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board of Franklin County to address youth mental health and/or substance use concerns. Prevention services are available, free of charge, to youth.

Syntero's School-Based Prevention program provides strategic skill-building opportunities intended to prevent or reduce the risk of developing a mental health or substance use disorder. Prevention services benefit ALL students as a foundation for optimal social-emotional development. Services can be provided in individual, small group, and classroom settings. You can learn more about Syntero's School Based Prevention services by reading the attached flyer.

I am truly honored to be part of your child's journey during these important and formative years. I look forward to partnering together to help your student grow, connect, and thrive.

Warmly,

Abi LaRoche, LSW

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We are grateful for the many parents and family members who volunteer to chaperone our field trips each year! If you hope to join your child's class on a field trip this school year, now is a great time to complete your volunteer requirements so you're ready when opportunities arise.

All volunteers must have a current background check on file with Upper Arlington Schools. Background checks are completed at the Mincy Center (1619 Zollinger Road) Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (closed 12:30–1:30 p.m. for lunch).

Thank you for partnering with us to help make field trips safe, fun, and memorable for our students! More information can be found on the UA Schools Volunteering webpage.

• September 11th - Flower Sales Pickup, 4-7:00 p.m. at Wickliffe
• September 21st-25th - Book Fair
• September 25th - Fall Fest
• October 15th - Fun Run, Walk & Roll

Get your orders in! Only one week left for our fall flower/mum sale fundraiser! New this fall, everyone can shop through the same link! Share with your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers etc!

• Now through September 3rd, you can shop online here: Fall Flower/Mum Sales
• Flower pick up will be September 11th, from 4-7 pm. Get your porches fall ready and support the PTO!

We have partnered with UA owned, Primowear to do our back to school spirit wear sale! We extended our sale through September 3rd (this is the corrected date from our last email). Checkout our online shop at the link below to see the unique Wickliffe styles created just for us!

Shop online here!

• Volunteer in the lunch line with Chef Amber! Sign up here: Lunch Help!
• Checkout our General Volunteer Interest Form if you're interested in open volunteer positions!

Support Wickliffe and Make a Lasting Impact in Our Community

• We're seeking local businesses and community partners who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, teachers, and families. To learn more, visit our website here!

Check our website for details on the PTO and upcoming events!

If you plan to cheer on your Golden Bears this season, please keep in mind the following important rules. These expectations will be enforced throughout the football season in order to create a positive and enjoyable environment for Golden Bear fans of all ages.

• If you choose to participate in a tailgate, please be aware that state law prohibits the possession or use of alcohol or controlled substances on school grounds or at school-related events. This includes any school parking lot.

• If you have a young fan in your family, please remember that elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by a supervising adult throughout the entirety of the game. These students should sit in the stands during the game unless they are using the restroom or waiting in line at the concession stands. There should be no loitering at the concession stands, restrooms or under the bleachers.

• Footballs and other sports equipment are not allowed at the game and will be confiscated. Students should not throw these or other items, spit or touch each other.

• Elementary and middle school students are not permitted on the field after the game until the visiting team is off the turf and the alma mater has concluded.

• Students must leave the stadium within 20 minutes of the conclusion of the game.

• Finally, the turf practice fields will be off limits during and after varsity football home games.

If a student is not able to meet these expectations during the game, a parent or guardian will be contacted to pick up the student immediately.

Elementary parents are invited to attend one of two Elementary Gifted Services Parent Information Nights in the coming weeks. These sessions are designed to help answer questions regarding gifted services, including gifted qualifications, gifted clusters and Written Education Plans (WEPs). The same presentation will be provided on both nights, so please select the date that works best for you. **Please note the corrected date for our second presentation.**

• Monday, August 31: Jones Middle School auditorium, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

• Thursday, September 3: Hastings Middle School auditorium, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Join the Upper Arlington Education Foundation, Upper Arlington Schools and the Short family for the dedication of the Hope Garden at Upper Arlington High School on Friday, September 4, at 5:30 p.m.

The brief ceremony will be held at the garden, located near the south entrance of Marv Moorehead Memorial Stadium, between the high school building and the tennis courts. This space is a peaceful, welcoming space where students, families, staff and community members can pause in times of heartache, find hope in difficult moments and honor the memories of those they have lost.

Made possible through the generosity of donors to the Hope Garden Fund through the Upper Arlington Education Foundation, the garden honors the life of Sam Short and other Upper Arlington students who passed away during their time in our schools. Sam, the beloved son of Mike and Tori Short, was the first graduate of Upper Arlington High School's 100th class. His courageous spirit and enduring optimism inspired his family to create a place that not only celebrates his life but also provides comfort, hope and remembrance for members of the Upper Arlington Schools community who have experienced the loss of a student.

This summer, Upper Arlington Schools transitioned to a new transportation app called BusRight, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The app allows families to view their student's bus route information and track the bus in real time.

Parents/guardians who requested transportation for their student will received an email invitation to create their BusRight account. You must accept the invitation and set up your account before you can access your student's bus information for the 2026-2027 school year.

Need help? Please use the contact below that best matches your question:

• I didn't receive my BusRight email invitation: Contact the Transportation Department at 614-487-6477.

• I'm having trouble accessing the app or viewing my student's route information: Email support@busright.com.

• I have a question or concern about my student's assigned bus route: Email schoolbusquestions@uaschools.org.

Based on changes in Ohio law and Upper Arlington Schools Board of Education policy, new attendance requirements will be in effect beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. These changes affect how schools track student attendance, when families receive notifications, and when districts must intervene to address attendance concerns.

The biggest change is that all missed time is counted — includes tardies, medical absences, pre-planned absences, non-school-sponsored activities and competitions, and Religious Expression days — toward chronic absenteeism. Parents/guardians may find information about the changes in attendance policy on our website.

State law does allow a student’s parent or guardian to request up to three religious expression days for each school year without any academic penalty. Religious expression days may be used to take holidays for reasons of faith or religious or spiritual belief system or participate in organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or other religious or spiritual organization.

Parents/guardians must submit this form within the 14 school days after the start of the school year (September 1, 2026) to request up to three religious expression days for the 2026-2027 school year. Requests received after 14 days from the start of the school year will not be approved. For additional information, visit our website.

Attendance Information

District Attendance Policy

• Please obtain a medical excuse for ANY visit to a doctor, dentist, therapist, etc that occurs during a school day.

Planned Absence Form - Forms should be completed 10 school days in advance of the first date of the planned absence whenever possible. Otherwise, the absence may be unexcused.

District Website Link

• 2026-2027 School Year Calendar

• A-E Calendar

Instagram Account ~ @wickwolves

Lunch Menu

Difficulty accessing your PaySchools Central account? Email psc_help@payschools.com or

call 1-877-393-6628 between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. ET Monday-Friday.

Nurse Notes

Any prescription medication administered at school requires written authorization from the student’s physician as well as written parental permission. Per Ohio Revised Code, the Prescribed Medication must be received by the health office in the container in which it was dispensed by the provider or pharmacist (we cannot accept medication in baggies). Medication authorization forms and other health forms can be found on the district website at: UA Health Forms. Should you have any questions, please contact the Wickliffe Health Office at 614-487-5150.

Our health clinics track communicable illnesses and work with local public health agencies to mitigate potential outbreaks. If your student is diagnosed with or treated for a communicable illness/condition (strep, pinkeye, influenza, COVID-19, lice, etc.), please report those to the school nurse at wickliffehealthclinic@uaschools.org, or wickliffeattendance@uaschools.org. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure Wickliffe is a healthy learning environment for all of our students!

PowerSchool Parent Portal: https://ps-uar.metasolutions.net/public/home.html

If you need assistance logging into PowerSchool, you may reach out to: familytechhelp@uaschools.org

Technology Family Support

• Check out this resource for K-5 families.

• WOSU Digital Wellness

• CommonSense Media Activities

Transportation Services

Email: schoolbusquestions@uaschools.org

UA Flyer Connection

Wickliffe PTO

Links to Previous Updates:

All of our updates can be found on the Wickliffe website under “school news”.