The Spartan Family Newsletter
August 22, 2026
Stronger Together
Welcome Back to a Great New School Year!
We’ve made it through week one! As with any new school year, a few hiccups and minor issues are to be expected, but despite those brief bumps, it has been a fantastic start. The energy in our buildings has been incredible, and there is nothing quite like seeing our hallways filled with smiling faces as students get back into the swing of things.
Looking Ahead & Setting the Standard
As I enter my first full year at Waldron, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated staff, hardworking students, supportive families, and the entire community. Your encouragement and partnership over the past 10 months have meant the world to me. We are getting better every single day!
Mr. O'Leary and I have already begun identifying the specific areas we want and need to refine this school year. Our ultimate goal is clear: to Set the Standard and provide the absolute best in rural education. With your continued support and collaboration, I know we will reach that mark.
Our Door Is Always Open
Communication is key to our shared success. As always, if you ever have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don't hesitate to reach out via phone, email, or by stopping in for a visit.
We are STRONGER TOGETHER!
Notes from Mr. O'Leary
What a great first week! Our students did a wonderful job settling into routines, reconnecting with old friends, and getting comfortable in the rhythm of a new school year. There is something special about the excitement that comes with every new year, a fresh start, new opportunities, and a chance to grow. I’m grateful to be here at Waldron and look forward to all that we will accomplish together this year!
Updated Morning Drop-Off Procedures
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!
Upcoming Dates
Monday (8/24) – JH Football Practice begins from 3:15pm-5:15pm
Tuesday (8/25) – HS Volleyball @ Britton-Deerfield at 5pm
Wednesday (8/26) – Cross Country at Hillsdale Invitational @ 5pm.
Thursday (8/27) – HS Volleyball vs Morenci at 5pm
Friday (8/28) – HS Football vs Danbury (OH) at 7pm (Parents Night)
Saturday (8/29) – HS Volleyball at Tekonsha Tournament (Varsity Only) at 8:30am, HS Volleyball at Camden-Frontier Tournament (JV Only) at 8am.
Daycare Update
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.
Waldron Trap Meeting
HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO MRS. ALEXIS ANDERSON!
We are beyond proud of our incredible English teacher, Mrs. Anderson! She was selected by The Meemic Foundation as one of only 50 English teachers in all of Michigan to attend the 5th Annual Cheers for Educators virtual event!
Representing Waldron Area Schools in style, she even got to meet legendary Goosebumps and Fear Street author R.L. Stine!
Thank you for bringing so much energy and passion to our school every day, Mrs. Anderson!
NEW School Phone and Personal Technology Update and Policy
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:
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.
Instructional Focus: Devices must remain in the assigned pouch for the entire class period.
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.
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
Official Warning, Disciplinary Write-up, and Parent Notification by the teacher.
2nd Offense
Disciplinary Write-up, Parent Notification by an administrator, and the device is turned in to the main office for the remainder of the school day.
3rd Offense
Disciplinary Write-up, device turned in to administration, and held until a parent/guardian meeting is conducted.
4th Offense
Administrative Review, which may include formal suspension, loss of personal technology privileges at school, or other disciplinary measures.
📞 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.
SAVE THE DATE... Agriculture Career Day
As you wrap up your school year, Hillsdale County Farm Bureau would like to provide you with a Save the Date for the fall Agriculture Career Day scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at Nutrien Ag Solutions in Reading.
School dress code
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:
If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding the dress code, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.
When visiting the School and late drop off.
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!
Support our Special Education program!! Kroger Community Rewards.
How to Sign Up for Kroger Community Rewards - benefits Waldron Special Education Classrooms
Go to Kroger App
Click on person icon in Top Left corner
Click on Payments and Resources
Click on Community Rewards
Type in DW074 to choose Organization or type in Waldron Special Education Classrooms.
Click Enroll button
Thank you for your support!
OK2Say for you and your child/children
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.
Motivate your child in coming back to school.
To motivate your child to go to school, focus on building steady routines, praising hard work instead of perfect grades, and listening to their feelings without judgment. When children feel heard, rested, and supported, they are more willing to face the school day. You can find more expert advice on building positive school habits through the Child Mind Institute
Fix the Routine
Set sleep times: Put your child to bed a bit earlier each night so waking up is easier.
Plan the night before: Lay out clothes and pack bags ahead of time to stop morning stress.
Keep mornings calm: Keep TV and phones off until school prep is done.
Talk and Listen
Ask specific questions: Ask what made them smile today instead of just asking about grades.
Validate their fears: Listen if they feel nervous or sad about a class or friend.
Speak well of school: Keep your talk about teachers and classes positive.
Build Inner Drive
Praise the effort: Clap for hard work and trying new things, not just high test scores.
Give small choices: Let them pick their snack, outfit, or after-school club.
Connect with teachers: Work with the school early if your child wants to stay home often.
