The Spartan Family Newsletter
January 30, 2026
Stronger Together
I hope to see you there... But no making comments if you see me eating too many donuts. 😄
Continuing to Strengthen our School/Family Relationship
Here is his website if you'd like to look into him: https://www.jimbasketballjones.com/
School Dances
***Due to our multiple weather cancelations, we had to move the dates of our upcoming school dances.***
We have our 2026 HS "MET GALA" Homecoming on Feb 13th, 9pm - 11pm.
We have our MS Dance "Dancing at the Movies" on Feb 14th, 5pm - 7pm.
I am looking forward to both of these events. I hope to see as many of our students as possible there. If finances are going to be an issue, please email me and we will work something out. Matt.Furtney@waldronspartans.org
Waldron Boosters
Here is a message from our Waldron Boosters:
We have several who will likely be retiring from the organization soon as their kids have graduated and we would like to add solid families to keep the boosters moving forward. As the old saying goes, "many hands make light work". To bring you up to date on the Boosters, here are some details on what we've accomplished:
In 2025, we updated the organization by restructuring it into a IRS 501c3 to formally be an official non profit.
We updated our name to Waldron Boosters as our efforts go beyond support of the Waldron athletic programs by funding classroom needs as well.
In 2025 we
Partnered with the basketball program for our Purse Bingo fundraisers (spring and fall)
Supported the cross country program for race entry fees.
Awarded two boosters scholarships to 2025 Waldron graduates.
Supported the baseball program with a batting machine.
Supported the math department with calculators
Cost shared the replacement of the baseball and softball fences.
Supported the band/music program with program funds
Supported the Waldron Summer Ball program
Cost shared the Hudl video program for volleyball, basketball and football.
Funded the senior banners that are hung in the gym.
Not inclusive of the amounts earned by basketball at our Purse Bingo events, We supported academic and athletic programs with over $18,000.00
Currently, the main families that make up the Boosters are: Phil and Jen Wines, Ryan and Becky Belcher, Dan and Katina Fellabaum, Brent and Holly Leininger, Jake and Jenny Leininger and Kelli and I. We have other alumni that help us during events but are typically not at our meetings or involved in our governance.
We have a standard form that we ask to be filled out for requests to funding and there should be copies in the office to provide to staff should they have a need for funding. I've attached this form to this email so that you have one handy.
We hold four main fundraisers to support these efforts and to provide a stable financial base to support the school. Two purse bingo events, one reverse drawing/gun raffle event, and the football banner program have been held each year. It takes lots of help to make these work and keep the boosters going so any help you could give us in keeping the volunteer base strong would be great.
New Science Teacher
I'd like to welcome a new addition to our awesome teaching staff. Mr. Salerno (Mr. Sal) joins us as a new High School Science teacher. We are all very happy to have him part of our Spartan Family.
Waldron Parent Teacher Team (PTT)
Our Waldron PTT will be holding a Pasta Fundraiser Feb. 2nd - 27th and selling Popcorn on Feb. 6th and Feb. 20
OK2Say for you and your child/children
OK2SAY is a Michigan student safety program that allows students, parents, and community members to confidentially report tips about potential harm or criminal activities directed at students, school employees, or schools. Operating 24/7, it aims to prevent violence, bullying, and self-harm by forwarding anonymous tips to law enforcement or school officials. All of our presentations will be held virtually. The parent zoom info is below.
Here are our dates that were holding our presentations this week:
4th and 5th grade: Tues, Feb 3rd.
HS Students: Tues, Feb 3rd.
MS Students: Thurs, Feb 5th.
Parents: Thursday, Feb 5, at 7 PM.
Topic: Waldron Schools OK2SAY Community Seminar
Time: Feb 5, 2026 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84107468833?pwd=ZtCDh4yGygZJ9aFt3GaAyEylMPshMd.1
Waldron Senior Night
Waldron Senior Night has been scheduled in the Multi-Purpose room for Thursday May 14th at 7pm.
U.S. SERVICE ACADEMY FAIR
CONGRESSMAN TIM WALBERG INVITES YOU TO ATTEND A U.S. SERVICE ACADEMY FAIR.
Learn more about the many educational opportunities at the service academies and the general nomination process!
Waldron Athletic Boosters Reverse Raffle
When: Saturday Feb 14th, 2026
Where: Kissel Building West Unity OH
Time: Doors Open- 5:00 PM
Dinner- 5:30 PM
Drawing Begin- 6:30PM
Cost: $50 Per Ticket- 250 Tickets Sold
PLEASE SEE A BOOSTER MEMBER OR COACH TO PURCHASE TICKETS
This week in Sports
Waldron’s Sports – 2/2 thru 2/6
Monday (02/02) – JH Girls B-ball vs Pittsford @ 5:30pm, HS Boys B-ball at Hillsdale Academy @ 6pm
Tuesday (02/03) –
Wednesday (02/04) – HS Boys Basketball (Varsity only) vs North Adams-Jerome @ 6:30pm
Thursday (02/05) –
Friday (02/06) – HS Boys Basketball at Litchfield @ 6pm
Staff Member Highlight
For this week's staff member highlight, I am happy to highlight Nicole Barnhart. Nicole Barnhart is a lifelong resident of Waldron and a proud alumna of Waldron Schools, having attended from kindergarten through 12th grade. She has dedicated much of her career to the local school community, serving as an aide for seven years and as a bus driver for the past two years.
Outside of her professional duties, Nicole celebrates 17 years of marriage to her husband, Shawn. Together they have a stepson and two daughters, aged 13 and 11, who currently attend Waldron.
In her free time, Nicole cherishes moments spent with family and friends, particularly during the summer when they can go camping and host cookouts. She is also an avid supporter of her daughters' athletics and loves cheering them on at their games. When she isn't busy with family activities, she enjoys relaxing with a good book.
Upcoming Dates
February 10 - Basketball Parents Night
February 13 - Half Day
February 13 - Homecoming
February 14 - MS Dance
February 16 - No School - Staff PD
February 26 - Reading Night
March 3 - Basketball Jones Assembly
March 6 - End of 3rd Marking Period
March 19 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
March 20 - Half Day
March 23-27 - No School - Spring Break
April 3 - No School - Good Friday
April 6 - No School - Possible weather make up day
May 7 - Half Day - Exams
May 8 - Half Day - Exams
May 1- Last day of school for Seniors
May 17 - Graduation
May 22 - Half Day
May 25 - No School - Memorial Day
June 3 - Half Day- Last day of School
If you are late dropping off your student...
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 and with it getting so cold out, we can't have any students standing at the door waiting for someone to come let them in. Thank you for help with this.
It is chilly outside...
Our elementary students are still going outside for recess, please ensure that they are bringing appropriate clothing for the cold temperatures. If you need any hats, gloves, coats for your child please contact Mr. Furtney
When visiting the School...
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.
Your cooperation with these small matters is greatly appreciated!
Class of 2027 Volunteers needed
The class of 2027 advisor is in need of some additional volunteers. There are many opportunities to support your students. The money raised goes towards their Prom, graduation, and senior trip. Even if your student doesn't plan on attending the senior trip, they could definitely use the help to raise funds for prom and graduation. If you are interested, please contact their class advisor, Diane Evers. Phone - (517)260-2291. Email - gypsy.snickers@gmail.com
