Heights Happenings

Happy Fall, Heights Families ~

The school year is well underway and your students are learning, growing, exploring, playing and being challenged everyday. We are so proud to watch them as they grow, just as we know you are you. As a reminder, attendance at school is critical to their success and achievement. Students should only miss school if they are sick. And we appreciate when you are able to schedule appointments before or after school, which we know can be hard to do.

October is a busy month so be sure to check out our calendar below and, plan ahead for November while you're at it!

We truly value your partnership in making Eastern Heights Elementary a nurturing and exciting place to learn. If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to us in the main office at 440-284-8011.

Mrs. Wittman

Principal

Helping Our Children Understand Safe Words & Safe Play at School

Elementary-aged children love imaginative play, which sometimes includes pretend weapons or dramatic phrases like “I’m going to kill you.”

While home rules vary—and we respect that—school has different expectations. At school, words or actions involving weapons, shooting, or hurting others are always taken seriously, even if meant as a joke or pretend.

School Expectations

• Avoid threatening phrases: Words like “I’m going to kill you,” “I’m going to shoot you,” or “I’m going to bring a gun” are not allowed.

• Leave pretend weapons at home: Using fingers, pencils, sticks, or toys as pretend guns can frighten others and disrupt learning.

How to Explain This to Your Child Just as kids wear shoes or refrain from wrestling at school compared to home, they can learn setting-specific rules:

• "At home, we know you're pretending. At school, teachers must ensure everyone feels safe, so you need to pick a different game there."

• "Even as a joke, those words can scare others. At school, we use words that keep everyone feeling safe."

Safe Alternatives to Practice

• Instead of “I’m going to kill you!”: Practice “I’m going to get you!” or “I’m going to catch you!”

• Instead of pretend weapon play: Redirect games toward superheroes with powers, explorers on a mission, athletes, or builders.

Our goal isn't to limit imagination, but to help children understand that school is a safe and shared space where words and actions affect everyone around them.

Find everything you need in PowerSchool in one centralized location!

PowerHub Guide

October 2026

October 1 - PTO. Meeting at 6pm (Music Room)

October 2 - PTO Family Movie Night

October 9 - NEOEA Day - All Schools Closed

October 15 - Parent Teacher Conferences

October 19 - 22 ~ Scholastic Book Fair

October 20 & 21 - 3rd Grade Fall Reading OST

October 22 - Parent Teacher Conferences

October 23 - 1st Quarter Ends

October 26 - Records Day - No School for Students

October 27 - October 30 ~ Red Ribbon Week/Spirit Week

Plan Ahead for November

November 5 ~ PTO Meeting at 6pm (Music Room)

November 23 - November 27 ~ Thanksgiving Break

November 30 ~ School Resums

• All student dismissal changes must be made through the office by calling 284-8011 no later than 2:30pm. Messages sent to teachers on Class Dojo may not be seen before the end of the day.
• As you drive on our campus ring road, remain in your lane at all times.
• Listen to all staff directions at all times.

Eastern Heights Elementary School Staff prioritize safety at dismissal and we ask the same of our students and families.

We have made many changes to our afternoon dismissal procedures and will be posting a video on Class Dojo and Facebook later this week. Stay tuned!

Safety is our #1 priority so please remember the following:

• Drive slowly at all times on our campus.
• Refrain from texting and driving.
• Do not stop on campus crosswalks.
• Follow all staff directions while driving on campus.

Thank you for helping us maintain safe & efficient traffic on the Eastern Heights campus.

Stay tuned for monthly updates from Mrs. Becka.

Elyria Public Library

Click HERE for more information about ongoing programs

Connecting For Kids

Connecting for Kids October Programs

Second Harvest Food Bank

Upcoming Drive Thru Mobile Pantries List

Second Harvest & Partner Charities

Use the link HERE to get more information about local food pantries and meals

United Way of Greater Lorain County

Use the link HERE to learn about 211 resources

Is your child interested in Scouts? See the attached flyers.

If your child is in need of a physical, see the information below.

Check out our PTO activities for the coming month. All are welcome to attend our monthly PTO Meetings!

With safety as a top priority of the Eastern Heights Campus staff, we want you to be aware that you may see us outside practicing a drill as we start the school year. Please remember to drive slowly and/or stop to allow the drill to proceed safely. And, be sure to have your student dress appropriately for the weather and know that we practice these drills with all our students to keep everyone safe!

• Learners thrive when school is engaging and personally meaningful
• All Pioneers have a voice in decisions that affect them
• Excellence is achieved through vision, commitment and moral leadership

Email: wittmanbrenda@elyriaschools.org
Website: https://www.elyriaschools.org/Domain/8
Location: 528 Garford Avenue, Elyria, OH, USA
Phone: (440) 284-8011
Facebook: facebook.com/EasternHeightsElem