The Spartan Family Newsletter

A conversation with one of our students at the end of this week got me reflecting on the sheer tenacity of our student body. While we are off to a fantastic start this year, we’ve already faced a few unexpected challenges and every time, our students and staff have risen to the occasion with incredible resilience.

Many of our students at Waldron have faced significant personal adversity, as so many people do, but I truly believe this community is built on something special. You see it in teams like the Detroit Lions, who built their recent success on pure GRIT. Our students and community embody that exact same grit. It is what makes us who we are, and it is what will continue to make both our students and our school stronger.

We know difficult moments will inevitably arise in the future. Life isn't always smooth, but navigating adversity is precisely what pushes us to grow wiser, more capable, and more resilient. As your partners in education, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting, encouraging, and guiding your children through every obstacle knowing that life's hard times often shape us into our best selves.

It’s a great day to be a Spartan!

We are STRONGER TOGETHER!

I am excited to announce that during last week’s meeting, the School Board voted to appoint two new board members to fill our current vacancies.

Selecting from three outstanding candidates was a genuinely difficult decision for the board. Standing before the community during an open board meeting to interview for public service takes real courage, and I want to express my deepest appreciation to all three individuals. Their dedication, thoughtful presentations, and shared passion for supporting Waldron Area Schools were truly commendable.

Following a thoughtful deliberation, the board voted to appoint Dan Fellabaum and Mike Russell to the board. Mr. Fellabaum will serve in a two-year position, and Mr. Russell will serve through the end of this calendar year.

Looking ahead, our community will have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming November election, where three school board seats will be on the ballot. Strong, dedicated representation on our board is vital as we work together to grow, support our students, and continuously improve our district.

It is a great time to be a part of Waldron Area Schools, and we are grateful to everyone in our community who steps up to serve!

It’s a great day to be a Spartan!

Link to our Waldron School Store

Nothing beats seeing our students, staff, and community repping Spartan gear! Need to upgrade your wardrobe? Click the link above to check out the latest collection.

For those of you who have already placed orders, please know that I have been able to use the "profits" to purchase 15 Spartan shirts to hand out to students as rewards. This is the start of getting our halls, games, and community repped with Spartan pride! Thank you!!

Spooky season is right around the corner! 👻 As we have tried to work around any other school, community and/or church events, we have decided to have our Trunk or Treat on Tuesday, October 27th. We will have candy (of course), donuts, cider, hot cocoa and more. I will also be personally offering a "prize" to the staff member who has the best decorated Trunk or Treat set up.

To go all out, we need your help to make it amazing.

If you have large outdoor decorations we can borrow, please email Matt Furtney at matt.furtney@waldronspartans.org. Want to help plan, set up, or run the event (or join the PTT)? Email PTT Advisor Nichole DiCenso at nichole.dicenso@waldronspartans.org.

Thank you for your continued support. We can't wait to bring another great event to Waldron! 🎃

I am thrilled to share that our Varsity Volleyball team is bringing home some hardware!! They are the Coldwater Pansophia Volleyball Tournament Champions! 🏆

The girls secured the title after a thrilling final match against Pansophia, taking the victory 2 games to 1. This marks the program’s first tournament championship in a long time, and we couldn't be prouder of their hard work and grit.

Huge congratulations to the team and coaches on an amazing accomplishment! Go Spartans!

We have a Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, October 10th, and we need your help to make it a success!

• Parents: We’re looking for volunteers to help during the morning shift.

• Students: We need volunteers for the early afternoon shift.

Please use the link below to sign up for a slot:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A44A4A72EA3FDC52-65814837-game

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, and our Spartans have done a wonderful job bringing attention to this deeply important cause.

Having lost my own sister to suicide 12 years ago today, this effort is deeply personal to me. I want to express my sincere appreciation to all of our students and staff for their compassion, dedication, and heart in bringing awareness to our school and community. Thank you for making a difference.

🎉 Big news, Waldron! Join us in congratulating our 2026 Football Homecoming Representatives! 🎉

Thank you to these student leaders for stepping up to represent their classes during Homecoming week and making this year unforgettable! ​Come out and show your school spirit as we honor them during our Homecoming ceremony on Friday, October 9th. Let's pack the stands and celebrate together! 🏈✨

​#WaldronPride #Homecoming2026

Senior Reps:

• Jaelynn McClanahan

• Matthew Cooley

• Abigail Rich

• Ryan McClain

• Madison Brockway

• Elijah Winchell

Junior Reps:

• Trinity Covell

• Luke Fether

Sophomore Reps:

• Karlie Grubbs

• Mason Monahan

Freshman Reps:

• Alyssa Moore

• Dylan Feaster

As a reminder, all Waldron 2026/2027 seniors are required to complete the FAFSA this year even if your child is not currently planning to attend a college or trade school, as completing it keeps all post-graduation options open. To ensure a smooth process, please visit FAFSA.gov to create your FSA ID and gather key materials in advance, including Social Security Numbers, driver's licenses, prior-prior tax returns (IRS Form 1040/W-2s), and current financial records for both students and parents. The FAFSA opens on October 1st; we will hold a student session in the media center on October 2nd at noon, and Mrs. Crist will be hosting parent help sessions every Thursday in October until 8:00 p.m. to assist you through the steps.

Waldron families are invited to attend the University Showcase on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at 550 E. Main St., Hudson, MI. Hosted by Rising Scholars, this free event is open to all Michigan and Ohio students exploring post-secondary options.

Event Highlights:

• 50+ Colleges & Universities represented, including several highly selective institutions.

• Military Academies & Recruiters on site to answer questions.

• Food trucks, live performances, and prizes!

Entry is free! To skip the line at admission, families can pre-register using the QR code on the flyer. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to help your student plan their future!

Here's a quick look to see what our younger Spartans are learning and achieving in their gym class.

Sept 25th - 1/2 Day for students

Sept 28th - NO SCHOOL - Fair Day

Sept 29th - NO SCHOOL - Fair Day

Oct 8th - Picture Day

Oct 9th - Waldron Homecoming

Oct 15th - School Board Finance Mtg 6pm in the Media Center

Oct 16th - 1/2 Day for students

Oct 21st - Waldron School Board Mtg 7pm in the Media Center
Oct 27th - Waldron 1st Annual School Trunk or Treat

Oct 30th - End of Marking Period 1

Oct 30th - Halloween Parade

Nov 5th - Conferences

Nov 6th - 1/2 Day

Nov 12th - School Board Finance Mtg 6pm in the Media Center

Nov 18th - Waldron School Board Mtg 7pm in the Media Center

Nov 25th - 1/2 Day

Nov 26th - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving

Nov 27th - NO SCHOOL

Dec 3rd - Picture Retake Day

Dec 10th - School Board Finance Mtg 6pm in the Media Center

Dec 16th - Waldron School Board Mtg 7pm in the Media Center

Dec 17th - 1/2 Day - Exams

Dec 18th - 1/2 Day - Exams

Dec 21-31 - NO SCHOOL - Christmas Break

Jan 1st - NO SCHOOL - New Year's Day

Jan 18th - NO SCHOOL - MLK Day - Possible weather make-up day

Waldron’s sports for the week of Sept. 21 – Sept. 26

Monday (9/21) – JH Volleyball at Hillsdale Academy @ 5:30pm.

Tuesday (9/22) – HS Volleyball at Jackson Christian @ 5:30pm.

Wednesday (9/23) – JH Football (scrimmage) vs Burr Oak/Tekonsha @ 5pm, JH Volleyball vs Pittsford @ 5:30pm.

Thursday (9/24) – No Sports

Friday (9/25) – HS Football at Burr Oak @ 7pm.

Saturday (9/26) – HS Volleyball (Varsity Only) at Will Carleton Invite @ 8am, HS Cross Country at Pittsford Invite @ 10am.

In Person Support

• Community Action Agency (Hillsdale County Branch)

  • Distance from Waldron: ~25 minutes north

  • What's offered: Free family support resources, developmental programs for young children, weatherization support, and financial counseling.

• Lenawee County Family Resource Center (Adrian, MI)

• Distance from Waldron: ~35–40 minutes northeast

• What's offered: Free play-and-learn groups for toddlers, parenting workshops, car seat safety inspections, and developmental screenings.

Online Support

Elementary breakfast will be served in the classrooms from 8:00 to 8:15 and HS/MS will have breakfast in the cafeteria from 7:40 to 7:55.

Elementary lunch in the cafeteria 11:00 to 11:30

MS/HS lunch in the cafeteria 11:30 to noon

The Waldron Daycare will be closed on Friday, Sept 4th and Monday. Sept. 7th in observance of Labor Day. We hope you have a wonderful long weekend.
If you are interested in your child(ren) attending the Waldron Daycare, enrollment forms are available in the main office. For questions regarding before-school care, please contact Tammy Fix at tammy.fix@waldronspartans.org.

For students that are wanting to join coding club please sign up in the office. The first meeting is Wednesday September 2 from 3-4pm. Coding Meetings will be held every Wednesday from 3-4pm, unless noted.

High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is a welcoming, student-centered group where high school students can come together to grow in their faith, build positive friendships, and encourage one another. Although FCA has its roots in athletics, students do not have to be an athlete to participate! All high school students are welcome.

During meetings, students will have opportunities to participate in short devotionals, Bible discussions, activities, and conversations focused on faith, leadership, character, and making positive choices. FCA provides a supportive environment where students can connect with their peers and explore how their Christian faith can be part of their everyday lives.

Our goal is to create a positive community where students feel welcomed, encouraged, and supported as they grow into confident and compassionate young adults.

High School Literature Club

High School Literature Club is a welcoming and engaging space for students who enjoy books, stories, writing, and discussing literature with others. Students do not have to be avid readers to join! Whether they love reading or simply want to explore new stories and genres, all high school students are welcome.

During meetings, students will have opportunities to discuss books and short stories, share recommendations, participate in creative activities, explore different genres, and connect with other students through a shared appreciation of storytelling. Activities may also include book-themed games, creative writing, movie discussions, and other fun literary experiences.

Our goal is to create a relaxed and positive environment where students can build friendships, express their ideas, discover new interests, and develop a lifelong appreciation for reading and literature.

High School Dungeons & Dragons Club

High School Dungeons & Dragons Club is a fun, welcoming space where students can use their creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills through collaborative storytelling. No previous Dungeons & Dragons experience is required! Whether students are experienced players or completely new to the game, all high school students are welcome.

During meetings, students will work together to create characters, explore imaginative worlds, solve challenges, make decisions, and tell stories as a team. Dungeons & Dragons encourages important skills such as communication, cooperation, critical thinking, creativity, leadership, and respectful decision-making.

Our goal is to provide students with a positive and inclusive environment where they can make new friends, express their creativity, build confidence, and—most importantly—have fun together!

If you have any questions regarding these clubs, please reach out.

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.

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve school safety and daily operations, we are implementing a few updates to our morning drop-off routine.
- Building Opening Time: Doors will open at 7:30 a.m.
- Early Arrival & Before-School Care: Please note that morning supervision with Mrs. Brenda is no longer available prior to 7:30 a.m. If your child needs to arrive before 7:30 a.m., our on-site daycare is available for a fee. Children must be officially enrolled prior to attending; enrollment forms are available in the main office. For questions regarding before-school care, please contact Tammy Fix at tammy.fix@waldronspartans.org.
- Morning Supervision (7:30 a.m. – Bell): Once students are dropped off after 7:30 a.m., they will head directly outside to the playground for morning recess with Mrs. Olivia. In the event of rain or extreme cold, students will gather in the elementary gym until the school day begins.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support in keeping our mornings running smoothly!

As we start the 2026/2027 school year, I would like to remind everyone about the Student Handbook Dress Code. Please know that all students and staff are required to abide by the dress code set forth by the school district. While we understand that some parents might not fully agree with every aspect of the policy, it is part of our official code of conduct and must be followed.

It is never our intention to embarrass or humiliate any student regarding their attire. Should a situation arise, we will always offer an alternative clothing item at school before reaching out to ask a parent or guardian to bring a change of clothes.

If you would like to review the full details, you can view the student code of conduct at the link below. The dress code section can be found on pages 30 and 31:

Waldron Dress Code

If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding the dress code, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.

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.

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

Your cooperation with these small matters is greatly appreciated!

How to Sign Up for Kroger Community Rewards - benefits Waldron Special Education Classrooms

1. Go to Kroger App

2. Click on person icon in Top Left corner

3. Click on Payments and Resources

4. Click on Community Rewards

5. Type in DW074 to choose Organization or type in Waldron Special Education Classrooms.

6. Click Enroll button

7. Thank you for your support!

As we kick off the new school year, our top priority is providing a safe, engaging, and distraction-free learning environment for all students. With research showing the significant impact of personal screen time on classroom focus and student well-being, we are implementing a district-wide Cell Phone & Personal Technology Policy.

We ask for your partnership and support in reviewing these guidelines with your child before the school year begins.

Important Legal Notice: State Law Mandate

Please be aware that this policy is governed by state law, which mandates restrictions on personal telecommunications devices in public school classrooms. Waldron Area Schools is legally obligated to implement and strictly enforce these requirements. We appreciate your full support and cooperation in helping us comply with state regulations to maintain a focused learning environment for every student.

Policy by Grade Level

Elementary Students

• No Phones Allowed: Elementary students are not permitted to bring cell phones or personal communication devices into the school building.

Middle & High School (MS/HS) Students

• Classroom "Pouch" System: Students may bring cell phones, smartwatches, wireless headphones/earbuds, and other devices to school, but they are strictly prohibited from having them on their person during class time.

• Passing Periods & Lunch: Students are permitted to use their technology responsibly between classes and during lunch.

• Restrooms & Locker Rooms: For privacy and safety, cell phones and personal technology are strictly prohibited in all bathrooms and locker rooms at all times.

How the Classroom System Works (MS/HS)

To ensure consistency across every classroom, we are using a Wall Pouch System:

1. Classroom Arrival: Upon entering every class period, students will immediately place their phone, smartwatch, and headphones into an assigned, numbered pouch on the wall chart.

2. Instructional Focus: Devices must remain in the assigned pouch for the entire class period.

3. Out-of-Class Passes: Students leaving the room during class (e.g., to use the restroom or visit the office) are not permitted to take their technology with them.

4. End of Class: Students retrieve their devices when the end-of-period bell rings.

Consequences (MS/HS)

To keep expectations fair and clear, the following steps will be taken if a student chooses not to place their technology in their designated pouch during class:

Offense and Action Taken

1st Offense

2nd Offense

3rd Offense

4th Offense

📞 How to Reach Your Child During the School Day

We understand that parents sometimes need to contact their children during the day. To help us maintain an uninterrupted learning environment, please keep the following options in mind:

• For Urgent Messages or Emergencies: Please call the Main Office directly at 517-286-6251. Our staff will immediately get a message to your child or bring them to the office.

• For Non-Urgent Messages: Feel free to text or message your child! They are welcome to check their phone and respond during passing periods or their scheduled lunch break.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support in helping our students stay focused, engaged, and successful this school year! As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to me: Matt.Furtney@waldronspartans.org.