North Notes
September 12, 2026
Principal's Message
Dear Ranger Families,
It was a fun-filled Homecoming week here at North, culminating with the football teams win, putting them at 4-0 on the season. We look forward to the Homecoming Dance, tonight at 7pm here at the high school. There will be no admittance after 8pm, and the dance concludes at 10pm. Go Rangers!
Parent Teacher Conferences are Thursday, September 24th from 4:30-7:30pm. I will send out a sign up form next Thursday. We hope you will join us. On the same night, LEAF will be hosting Financial Aid And College Planning night at 6:30pm in the PAC. Please attend if you would like information regarding the financial aid and college application process. While you are at conferences and/or Financial Aid Night, please stop at the Pop-in Cafe in the Union. The flyer is below.
Due to damage and destruction in the boys restrooms this week, I will be shutting all academic wing boys restrooms next week, leaving only the Union boys restroom open. We will have a monitor stationed at the restroom all day allowing only a certain number of boys in at a time. If the boys prove they can treat the Union restroom with respect, after one week, I will reopen an academic wing restroom. If your student is aware of any students vandalizing restrooms, please encourage them to tell an administrator. Thank you for your understanding.
If your student has a medical concern or condition that you have not spoken to Nurse Jennie about yet, please reach out via email (jennifer.lu@weschools.org) or phone (440-975-3683).
Also, if your student requires any medication at school (prescription, over the counter, inhaler, epipen, etc.), please let the clinic know to get the appropriate forms filled out.
Just a reminder that the school day is as follows:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:40 am - 2:25 pm
Wednesday Delayed Start: 8:30 am - 2:25 pm
The counseling department newsletter can be found HERE.
Sincerely,
Victor Puskas
North HS Principal
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 12 - Homecoming Dance (7-10pm) at North HS
September 15 AVIS Award Ceremony 8:30 AM (PAC)
September 22 Blood Drive
September 24 Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30 – 7:30 PM
September 24 Financial Aid and College Planning Night 6:30 PM (PAC)
Link to document of all Important Dates can be found HERE.
FUTURE READY FINANCES
The Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools Board of Education has placed a proposed 0.75%
earned income tax on the November 3, 2026, ballot. The outcome will determine whether the
district continues operating two comprehensive high schools or transitions to one.
The proposed 0.75% earned income tax would generate about $14 million a year on a
continuing basis, with roughly $9.6 million for operations and $4.4 million dedicated to
permanent improvements such as buildings, technology, security, and buses. A resident with
$50,000 in active income would pay approximately $375 per year.
An earned income tax is applied to the active income of district residents and does not apply to
passive income, such as Social Security benefits, pensions, capital gains, interest, dividends, or
other investment income.
If the proposed tax is approved, under the district's current plan:
● North and South would continue operating as two comprehensive high schools.
● Other reductions would happen on a more measured timeline.
● We would have more time to evaluate enrollment, building use, and long-term facility
needs.
What happens if the earned income tax levy fails? Beginning in the 28-29 school year, the
Board would need to implement the following cost-savings measures:
● Reduction in district staffing to match new footprint
● Consolidation to one high school and one middle school
Full details are available at www.weschools.org/futurereadyfinances.
BELL SCHEDULE
The bell schedule has changed slightly this year, with ten minutes being added to the student day. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, the student school day will be from 7:40 am to 2:25pm. We will continue this year with our delayed start Wednesdays. During Delayed Start, teachers meet in small groups called Professional Learning Communities, aka PLC’s. During this time, teachers examine assessment data and plan ways to reach every student. School hours for students on Wednesdays will be 8:30 am to 2:25pm.
WILLOWICK LIBRARY - FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMMING
This fall, the Willowick Public Library is hosting two programs to prepare students, and their parents/caregivers, for the college financial aid process. These programs are facilitated by College Now Greater Cleveland:
Financial Aid 101- Unlocking College Funding
Thursday, September 17, 6pm
Explore the various types of financial aid available, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. Learn how to navigate the financial aid application process to maximize your funding opportunities from a College Now Advisor.
Register Here: https://welibrary.libcal.com/event/16521691
FAFSA Completion Support
Thursday, October 15th, 6pm
Get one on one support with completing the 27-28 FAFSA. A College Now advisor will be available to meet with students and parents in order to complete the FAFSA (financial aid application) for college.
Register Here: https://welibrary.libcal.com/event/16521701
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE REPORTING
Introducing SafeArrival: A Faster, Easier Way to Report Absences
We’re excited to launch a new, more convenient way for families to report student absences: SafeArrival!
Starting now, all absences, whether your child is staying home sick, arriving late, or leaving early now can be reported quickly and easily.
2 Simple Ways to Report an Absence:
Use the MyPowerHub Parent Portal
Call Toll-Free – 855-612-7207 and follow the prompts (new number)
Absences You Can Report: Full-day absences, Late arrivals, Early pick-ups
You can even upload doctor’s notes directly through the app!
Why Families Love SafeArrival:
Available 24/7 — report absences in advance or on the same day
Instant confirmation once your report is submitted
Information goes directly into PowerSchool — no need to call the office
Still using the old attendance line? It now forwards to SafeArrival automatically
Doctor’s Notes
If your child is absent due to illness or needs to leave due to a dental, medical or counseling appointment, they may turn in the provider's excuse to the attendance desk for an excused medical absence. These documents will prevent your child from being penalized for hours missed, as Ohio House Bill 410 requires us to track attendance hours. Should your child exceed the limit for hours, you will receive a letter, and we can no longer excuse your students' absence unless proper documentation is provided. Please Note - Drivers Education is not an excused absence.
SCHOOL PICTURES and YEARBOOK
Yearbooks
Please stop by room 208 to pick up your 2026 yearbook if you have not yet received it!
2027 yearbooks are on sale now for $83 and can be bought online at jostens.com. Until September 18, if you get your yearbook personalized, you will receive 4 free icons to add to your book.
School Pictures
School pictures were taken this past Wednesday. Students were given instructions on how to order pictures, but if you have any questions, please contact Cirino Photography.
Picture Retakes: October 23, 2026
Senior Panoramic Picture: January 29, 2027, at 7:45 in the gym
Senior Pictures
Senior pictures are due by Friday, December 18, to the google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-pxd0i8rtDJ4YpmF3k7DqcGRi5AdUusPFHP53sXwJXH2KYQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=106116662368700684030
Please upload JPEG pictures; no screenshots because they will not upload to our software. Please make sure the picture is labeled with the student´s first and last name with the graduation year.
If you have any questions please email Mrs. Fryman at north.yearbook@weschools.org or stop by room 208.
TRANSPORTATION QUESTIONS AND RESOURCES
CELL PHONE POLICY
This year's cell phone policy is the same as last year. The policy is in alignment with state law and board policy. The purpose of the policy is to maintain a productive learning environment by eliminating distractions and enhancing student engagement with the lesson and fellow classmates.
COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
Mrs. Gallucci will be transitioning into a new role for the upcoming school year. She will now be the Workforce Guidance Counselor, working with both North and South HS on workforce initiatives. This means she will no longer have a student caseload at North. Students will now be split amongst three counselors by last name, according to the categories below:
Mrs. Vaughan: Last Names A - Ha (kirsten.vaughan@weschools.org)
Mr. Zenz: Last Names He - Ph (jack.zenz@weschools.org)
Mrs. Phillips: Last Names Pi - Z (lindsay.phillips@weschools.org)
ATHLETIC SCHEDULES
Eventlink is the new software program the athletic department is using as a scheduling platform. Eventlink offers an app in the Apple or Google Play Store for parents and community members, if you are interested. They also power our new athletic website, see link below:
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
The Blood Drive will be Tuesday, September 22. If a student is a junior or senior and interested in donating blood, please fill out the Google Form: https://forms.gle/LZTnvDP8H9LqEG9w8. If you are 16, you are required to bring a parent permission slip on the day of the blood drive. Those forms can be picked up from Mrs. Fleming in room 211. You will be excused from class to donate blood, but try to donate during a lunch or study hall first before missing a class.
Current members should be checking the Schoology page frequently for important information. The first meeting will be Monday, September 21 after school and is mandatory. Hours can be turned into 211 or Mrs. Fleming's mailbox. The Induction Ceremony is Wednesday, October 28 at 7:00 PM in the PAC and all members are required to attend.
Current juniors and seniors interested in joining the National Honor Society who have at least a 3.5 GPA can get an application from Mrs. Fleming in 211. Completed applications will be due Friday, September 18 by 2:30 PM to Mrs. Fleming.
Emails were sent out to students who will receive an AVIS Award based on their positive attitude from last school year. Students will find out who nominated them at the ceremony. The event is Tuesday, September 15 at 8:30 AM in the PAC. Families should have received a physical letter at this point inviting them to attend.
If you have any questions regarding the National Honor Society you can email Mrs. Fleming at jessica.fleming@weschools.org.
NORTH DRAMA CLUB
MESSAGE FROM NORTH BOOSTERS
North Boosters is a parent-led volunteer group that supports the sports, clubs and organizations that North students participate in. We are in charge of fundraising for all these groups and we can’t do it without help and support from parents, families, students and the community. Below are some of the ways we raise money and how you can help. Thank you for your support!
Opportunity #1 - BOOSTER MEMBERSHIP
Become a North Booster member and SAVE MONEY on admission!
Click HERE to purchase a staff, gold or silver membership. 100% of your membership purchase goes directly to the Boosters fund to support the students.
Look for the new signs posted around North with the Booster Membership QR code! Scan the code with your phone, sign up, save and support!
Opportunity #2 - NORTH CONCESSIONS . . . 2 ways to help
VOLUNTEERING
Earn money for your student’s sport or club! Boosters will pay $30 per sign-up slot when you volunteer and donate it to your selected club/sport/group. All volunteers must sign up online for credit.
Here’s the new sign-up: Fall Concession Volunteer Sign Up
MAKING A PURCHASE
Purchasing an item from Concessions also helps Boosters raise money. It is stocked weekly and offers a variety of items depending on the season.
Opportunity #3 - NORTH SPIRITWEAR ONLINE STORE NOW OPEN!
North Spiritwear is now available year round and readily available to order online at our new vendor 1st Place Spiritwear. They have a large range of North designs in various apparel, spirit and accessory items. Booster’s receive 10% back from each order.
2026/27 North Boosters Meeting Dates
All parents/guardians are welcome to attend our monthly meetings which take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 7p.m. in the North Student Union.
September 2 at 7:00pm
October 7 at 7:00pm
November 4 at 7:00pm
December 2 at 7:00pm
Social Media Accounts
Check out our pages on social media to learn more and stay connected!
MESSAGE FROM MUSIC BOOSTERS
Please follow our Facebook page to keep up to date about upcoming Dine to Donates, fundraisers, important information and updates we send throughout the school year! Our Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/EastlakeNorthMusicBoosters/.
Also don’t forget to check out our North Music Boosters’ website at: https://northmusicboosters.com
The best way to help support your Band or Choir student is to attend a Music Boosters Meeting! Our next meeting is on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 6:30pm in the North Band Room. Joining Music Boosters is $10 per family, per year. You can find more information and the contact form to join on our website. https://northmusicboosters.com/boosters-1
Thank you for your support of the Eastlake North Music Boosters as we strive to help give our Music Students the best experience possible!
Your 2026-2027 Music Boosters Board Members:
Band Director: Grant Harbison
Choir Director: Devra Levine
President: Leann Hardy
Vice President: Kristina Fredebaugh
Secretary: Diane Lloyd
Treasurer: Sherie Scott
Trustee: Amy Harris
Trustee: Sherry Brzeski
Trustee: Lindsey Kirchner
MESSAGE FROM AFTER PROM '27 (Seniors)
Welcome to SENIOR YEAR!!
This last year will be a busy year with lots of information coming from many sources. Be sure to check your emails from North, the bi-weekly newsletter, the guidance newsletter, and Facebook pages. We hope more parents will become involved with the After Prom committee as we move forward to finalize the rest of the fundraisers and the final event at Kalahari.
Next Meeting
RESCHEDULED - Monday, September 14 at 7pm in the North Student Union
FUNDRAISER UPDATES
50/50 DRAWING AT FOOTBALL GAME - Friday, October 2
Friday, October 2 from 6pm-9pm; Volunteers get in FREE to football game.
4-6 adults are needed to help sell 50/50 tickets at the North football game
Sign up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CAFAE2DA5FDC70-64957901-202627#/
THE CRAFT FAIR BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Join us on Saturday, November 14 from 10am-2pm for our biggest fundraiser for the year! Let’s make it a successful day! Please share the event details with family and friends!
The volunteer sign up form is now available! We need adult and student volunteers throughout the day. Students can earn volunteer hours!
Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E44ABAD22A4FE3-65459675-thecraft
Stay updated on vendors attending and other details: Facebook Event Page
Want to be a vendor? Email us at nhs2027afterprom@gmail.com for a vendor application form. All vendors must be approved before sending in forms and money.
FAMILY DONATION - $25/STUDENT
We are once again asking for a family donation of $25/student for our final year of fundraising for the after prom event being held at Kalahari Water Park in Sandusky.
A monetary donation is a great option for families who can’t physically volunteer for events or fundraisers. Thank you to the families who have contributed!
Venmo payment: @nhs2027ap
CLASS OF 2027 AFTER PROM: STAY UPDATED & CONNECTED
Facebook Page: NHS 2027 After Prom
Email Address: nhs2027afterprom@gmail.com
Band App: If you would like to be invited please email a request with the name of your 2027 student to: nhs2027afterprom@gmail.com and then download the app. Once we receive the notice we will verify and accept any North 2027 parent/guardian.
CLINIC INFO
Please review the following "Quick Reference for Sick Students" document.
Medications
Any medications (including over the counter medications, prescription medications, inhalers and epi-pens) to be consumed during the school day require a completed medication form. These forms can be found on our website HERE. Along with the completed form, a supply of the medication should be delivered to the clinic.
Clinic Visits
Our clinic utilizes software to document student visits. If your child visits the clinic with a minor issue, you will be notified via email of the visit. For major issues (fever, substantial injury, vomiting, etc.) you will receive a phone call from clinic staff. These protocols are in place to keep you informed of your child’s status during the day!
Contact Us
Please reach out if we can assist you in any way! The clinic phone number is: 440-975-3683.
Mrs. Jennifer Lu BSN, RN, LSN - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday.
Mrs. Jennifer Healan (health aide) - Tuesdays and Fridays
PRODUCE MARKET DATES
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE ONLINE
Communication is critical at any school, but with over 1,300 students, 100 staff members, and dozens of sports, clubs, and activities it is especially important at North! Each week there are so many events going on, that keeping up with them all can be challenging.