Westwood Elementary Newsletter

We are moving into December and the chance of frigid weather gets more consistent. If your child needs a coat, hat or gloves, please give Mrs. Hayes in the main office a call and she is happy to help (440-284-8002).

Make sure you check out the "Important Dates" below- there is a lot happening in December. Holiday concerts, spirit days and Santa breakfast, to name a few. Our final day with students is December 19th and we resume in January on the 5th.

Please continue to talk with your student about the "3 Bees"- consistent language and expectations can help make the day go smoother- both at school and at home! We appreciate all you do to help your child be successful at school.

This newsletter contains important information, and I will send only one each month. Please take the time to read it each month- it is packed full of information. We also will have printed copies in the main office, should you need one. Please make sure you have an email listed in PowerSchool that you check regularly- we frequently communicate electronically.

If you drop off or pick up your student- please make sure you are only doing so in the designated pickup and drop off area where staff are located. We do this to ensure your student is safe and supervised by an adult, thank you for your cooperation. You can see more details below in the drop off and pickup procedures.

Regular attendance at the elementary school level is crucial to each student’s success, as it sets up a good pattern for your child’s entire school career. Please make sure your child is here every day that it is possible.

Please follow us if you are not already: Westwood Elementary-Elyria City Schools;

https://www.facebook.com/westwoodelementaryecsd

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We are excited to continue to work with our staff, you, and our students to make it a great year.

If you drop off or pick up your student- please make sure you are only doing so in the designated pickup and drop off area where staff are located. We do this to ensure your student is safe and supervised by an adult, thank you for your cooperation. You can see more details below in the drop off and pickup procedures.

Regular attendance at the elementary school level is crucial to each student’s success, as it sets up a good pattern for your child’s entire school career. Please make sure your child is here every day that it is possible.

Please follow us if you are not already: Westwood Elementary-Elyria City Schools;

https://www.facebook.com/westwoodelementaryecsd

Your Partner in Education,
Ms. Stacey Gatten
Principal

December

1- school resumes

2- 2nd and 3rd grade music performance at the PAC, begins at 6:00pm

2- PTO @ 3:30pm

5- Texas Roadhouse gift card pickup for those who ordered 3:30-5:30pm at WWES

6- Santa Breakfast (prepurchase tickets ONLY, no sales at the door)

8- Kindergarten music performance at the PAC, begins at 7:00pm

10- Marco's Pizza Night

15- Holiday/Festive top day

16- Snowman Day- wear white or blue

16- Student Council meeting @ 815am

17- Candy Cane Day- wear red and or white

18- Grinch Day- wear green

19- Polar Express Day- wear comfy clothes/ pajamas (that students can still independently use the restroom easily, zip up one pieces make this difficult)

19- Last day of 2025 with students

To ensure drop-off and pickup run smooth and effective:

· You may ONLY enter at 42101 Griswold to enter the car line. Adelbert entrance is only for Preschool. Please do not cut through- this creates additional traffic for EECV, and we want ALL students to be safe. Also please only drop off and pick up in the designated area, do not use the visitor parking for drop off as it it not an area that is supervised by staff.

· Please do not plan to arrive earlier than 8:55 for Elementary School drop off in the morning. If Elementary students arrive early you will need to keep your student(s) in the vehicle with you until staff comes out to unload students at 8:55am.

· Please do not plan to arrive earlier than 3:00pm for Elementary pickup in the afternoon.

· Once in the lot, please pull up to the car in front of you, as this will allow more cars to enter the lot, and keep cars off the street.

· Please be ready and prepared so that we can keep cars moving efficiently in the lot.

· Follow all directions from staff, they are there to help.

· Please drive safe and slow- this is a school zone and we need to keep all students and staff safe.

· You will exit at Griswold also.

We appreciate your help in keeping our students safe.

School hours are 9:10am-3:10pm.

Doors do not open until 8:55- please do not drop off early or allow students to walk early.

If you are dropping off, please hold your child in the car with you until 8:55am.

Please call the office to report your child(ren)’s absence at 284-8002 before 9:30AM. Our phone has 24-hour voicemail so that you may call and leave a message anytime. Please leave a voicemail if no one answers the phone in the office; voicemails are frequently checked and the office will receive your message.

Please make sure you always have a photo ID with you, when you come to the school, this is for the safety of our students.

The Main Office of any school building is a hub of activity. Students and staff are always on the go, in and out of the space throughout the school day.

It’s an active place for regular check-ins and meetings with students, as well as staff conferences and daily interactions with school principals and counselors. The Main Office is also a confidential space at times for conversations and interactions between school personnel and students.

Parents and caregivers are part of the equation, too. For any number of reasons, parents may be asked to come to their child’s school during the day. When that happens, parents should follow the district’s visitor procedures by using the school’s main entrance buzzer and intercom system to gain entrance to the school, and then signing in at the front desk.

If parents/caregivers do not have a meeting at the school but still need to come to the school during the day to see their child or to speak to a staff member, call-ahead notice or an appointment is required.

This ensures parents will be seen in a timely manner and upholds the safety practices of the school. To contact the Main Office, please call 440-284-8002

Our school address is: Westwood Campus, 42350 Adelbert St, Elyria, OH 44035

Our phone number will stay the same: 284-8002

Showing up to school every day is one of the most important ways students can build strong learning habits and stay on track academically, socially, and emotionally. When students are present, they participate in hands-on learning, build relationships with peers, and gain confidence in routines that help them grow. Even just a few absences throughout the year can add up, making it more difficult to keep up with classwork and progress through new skills at grade level.

We are proud to partner with the Cleveland Browns and the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network to encourage consistent attendance and highlight how important it is for student success. Together, we are working to motivate students, support families, and celebrate positive progress throughout the year.

Getting to school on time helps students transition calmly into the school day, boosts readiness to learn, and reduces stress. Here are some helpful tips to support strong attendance and smooth mornings at home:

Tips for getting to school on time:

• Lay out clothes, backpacks, and lunches the night before
• Establish a consistent bedtime routine for plenty of sleep
• Set an alarm to help mornings run smoothly
• Prep breakfast ahead of time or choose quick morning options
• Keep school items in the same spot every day
• Limit screen time in the morning to stay focused on getting ready
• Avoid scheduling appointments during school hours when possible

Thank you for helping us support your child’s success by making daily attendance a priority!

Families may bring in prepackaged treats (with ingredients listed by the company that packaged it) BUT we are really encouraging non-food items. We have to be very careful of food allergies, to keep all students safe. Birthday treats ARE not required or encouraged, but okay, if you choose.

Birthday/Holiday treat ideas include:

Pencils, bookmarks, fidgets, pop-its, bracelets, crayons, squishes, pencil toppers or erasers, glow sticks, play dough, slinkies, stickers, prepackaged snack with ingredients listed (from the company that produces it).

Stay Connected: Opt In to Receive District Text Messages

Have you opted in to receive text messages from Elyria Schools?

If you haven't already, please take a moment to sign up to receive automatic text messages from Elyria Schools. This is a valuable tool in an emergency or when there's important, time-sensitive information to share.

To begin receiving text messages from Elyria Schools, parents and guardians must opt in. The service is free and signing up is simple:

Text “Y” or “Yes” to 67587

That’s it! You’ll start receiving important updates and reminders via text.

Need to stop messages later? Just reply with “Stop” to any of our messages.

Please note: our texting feature and robocall system are tied directly to the contact information on file for your student. It’s essential to keep your phone numbers and email addresses up-to-date with your child’s school to ensure you continue receiving calls and texts.

Don't miss out on timely updates—opt in today!

Hello Westwood Families,

As winter season approaches, it is important to recognize how this time of year can impact our mental wellbeing. The days are short and with less sunlight and the approaching holiday season coming, it can bring up feelings of sadness, anxiety, and loneliness. Taking care of your own mental health is just as important, in order to be there for others. Here are some tips to take extra care of yourself and those around you.

• Set boundaries: It’s OK to say, “no” or ask for help when feeling overwhelmed. It’s important to know your limits.
• Seek support: Colleagues, friends, or professionals can be a great support to talk to when going through difficult situations.
• Engage in activities that recharge you: Reading, meditating, physical activity, spending time outdoors, find activities that you enjoy.
• When supporting others: Be aware of how reduced daylight may affect mood or energy levels. Encourage regular breaks and exposure to natural light when possible.
• Create a safe space to talk: With holidays approaching, some people may feel more stressed or want to isolate themselves. Offer a listening ear without judgment.
• Promote self-care: It can be helpful to remind those that you are supporting, of the importance of small, daily activities that can have a positive impact on their mental wellbeing. Exercise, mindfulness, and proper rest are especially important during this time.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out via phone: 440-284-8153 or email: mccallamanda@elyriaschools.org

Amanda McCall RN, BSN

Westwood Campus

440-284-8153

Hoodies, and similar tops or jackets with hoods, are "fan favorites" when it comes to school attire. We like them, too, but not when they are worn up and over the head during the school day.

The district's Student Code of Conduct provides direction on headgear, stating that it may not be worn over a person's head or scalp (excluding headgear that's worn for religious or medical reasons.) Hoods can make it difficult to identify an individual in an emergency, and they can also be a distraction in class. Please remind students that hoods may not be worn up during the school day.

The Student Code of Conduct also offers guidance on attire. Clothing must be school appropriate and may not present a health or safety hazard or disrupt the educational environment. Pants and tops must fit properly and be in good repair; crop tops are not permitted.

Additionally, footwear must be school appropriate--slippers and slipper socks are not permitted. Blankets also may not be worn in school.

Students may bring their cell phones to school but they must be turned off and put away during the day. An updated Ohio state law now prohibits students from using cell phones during instructional time throughout the school day. While Elyria Schools already has a policy in place that restricts cell phone use during learning time, this new law now requires that the policy be enforced in all schools.

As a result, students may not use their cell phones during the instructional day, unless part of a teacher-directed lesson. Phones must be powered off and stowed in a locker or backpack during school hours.

More details will be shared as the school year begins, but we’re asking for families’ attention and support in helping students understand and follow these rules. Our goal is to maintain a focused and respectful learning environment for all students.

While we’ll always start with reminders and redirection, continued disregard of the policy will lead to appropriate consequences in line with our student code of conduct. According to the law, exceptions can be made for medically documented situations, emergencies, or instructional needs that the classroom teacher considers essential.

Thank you for your partnership in preparing students for this important change and helping ensure a successful start to the year.

If you need to reach your student during the school day, please contact the main office and our staff will convey a message or assist you in reaching your student.

Website: https://www.elyriaschools.org/domain/30
Location: 42350 Adelbert St, Elyria, OH 44035, USA
Phone: 440-284-8002