Jefferson Journal

Dear Families,

We are officially wrapping up a fantastic first quarter and getting ready to jump into the second quarter strong! Our students have done an incredible job showing PRIDE behavior throughout the building, and we have loved celebrating their hard work. From recognizing top attendance with the Attendance Trophy to hosting our recent Party with the Principals, our school is full of positive energy. We are also looking forward to recognizing even more student achievements at our upcoming Quarterly Reward Ranger Rally!

As we transition into the new quarter, please keep a few important dates in mind. Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up soon, so please reach out directly to your child’s teacher to schedule a time to meet and discuss their growth. Additionally, our next PTO meeting is on October 20th. You can look further below in this newsletter for more details on the meeting as well as information on how to sign up.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping make the start of this school year such a success. We are excited for all that the second quarter has in store!

Warmly,

Mrs. Platt and Mr. Eberly

35980 Lakeshore Blvd. Eastlake, OH 44095

Office Email: tj.office@weschools.org

Main Office Line: 440-942-7244

Attendance Line: 855-612-7207 (24 Hours)

Transportation Department: 440-975-3736

• Mrs. Candace Platt, Principal
• Mr. David Eberly, Assistant Principal
• Mrs. Lori Dugger, Principal's Secretary
• Mrs. Lori Miller, Administrative Secretary
• Mrs. Jacque Sparent, Family Liaison
• Ms. Katie Klemencic, School Nurse

• 10/21-10/28- 3rd Grade Fall OST Window
• 10/21- School Picture Ordering Deadline for Free Shipping
• 10/22- Title I Parent Night
• 10/23- Photo Order Deadline for Free Shipping
• 10/28- Conference Night- 3:15 - 7:15 PM
• 10/30- Halloween Parade & Classroom Parties
• 11/2- Conference Night- 3:15 - 7:15 PM
• 11/3- No School for Students- Professional Development Day
• 11/6- Yearbook Contest Ends
• 11/10- Picture Retake Day

Cirino Photography just released the 26-27 School portrait images from photo day into your gallery. Please click on the link below to view and order your student(s) portraits from this year. Please note that if you order under the bulk ship option, your order will be shipped to the school and sent home with your student within 4 weeks. The deadline to order school day portraits for the free shipping is October 23rd. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out directly to Cirino Photography they are here and happy to help at 440 953-8200 or cuyla.cirino@gmail.com

https://my.photoday.com/gallery/jefferson-elementary-portr-2

Please also find here the link to order your students yearbook for this school year - https://cirinophotography.shopyearbook.com/view_account.asp?yearbook_id=109554

We have three holiday parties throughout the school year. Halloween (10/30), Winter Holiday (12/16), and Valentine's Day (2/11). Classroom parties can be busy so we could use some help! We need three volunteers per classroom. One brings the non-food goody, bag, one brings a game or activity for the party, and one brings napkins. Our PTO provides a snack for the parties and works with our nurse to ensure that allergy and dietary restrictions are able to be met for each student. No outside food, drink, or candies are permitted.

• We still have some Halloween party volunteer spots available. These Halloween party volunteer spots are now open to any parent regardless if you are signed up to volunteer at another party.

• If you can help, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4AABAE2AA5FB6-66163898-halloween#/

• Thank you for your support.

• On Friday, October 30, 2026 students will participate in a costume parade around the school and our class Halloween parties will follow. Parents will not be permitted at the parade and only the adults who signed up as a classroom volunteer are permitted at the parties.

• Students will not wear their costumes to school. They will bring their costumes to school and change into them before the parade and parties begin.

• Students must be able to change into their costumes themselves and appropriate shoes must be worn.

• Students must be able to use the restroom independently while wearing the costume.

• No face paint or costume masks are permitted.

• Costumes must not be too scary or inappropriate for the school environment.

• All props should remain at home. No wands, weapons, swords, etc.

• Halloween Spirit Wear is an option if preferred or if you are unable to find a costume that meets the requirements.

Great News! Your child can get dental care at our school.

Best of all, in most cases there is no cost to you if your child is insured with Medicaid or CHIP! Private insurance and affordable self-pay options are also available.

Easy & Convenient

Having your child seen by the in-school dentist saves you valuable time. Top quality care is provided by local, licensed dentists right in the familiar surroundings of your child’s school. Dental care includes a complete exam, x-rays, cleaning, fluoride and sealants when needed. Restorative care, such as fillings, may also be provided.

Keep Your Child Healthy

By having your child see the in-school dentist, you can help reduce the risk of:

• Early Tooth Loss caused by dental decay
• Gum Disease
• Heart Disease
• Impaired speech development

Taking care of your child’s teeth is an important part of keeping them healthy!

The Mobile Dentist is coming to TJ on 11/12. Sign up here: https://www.myschooldentist.com/Default.aspx

As cold and cough season continues, we want to make sure our students stay comfortable and focused in class! Parents and guardians may send cough drops and throat lozenges to the school clinic for their child’s personal use during the school day.

📋 Guidelines for Sending Cough Drops to School

To keep all students safe and ensure proper administration, please follow these simple steps:

1. Original Packaging Required: Cough drops and throat lozenges must be brought to school in their original, unopened packaging. Loose or repackaged items cannot be accepted.

2. Medication Form Required: Every student receiving cough drops or lozenges at school must have a completed medication form on file with the clinic.

📄 Download the Form

Please print and complete the required form prior to sending in any medications or cough drops:

• 📥 Medication Administration Form

Once completed, please drop off the form and original packaging at the school clinic or send them directly in your child’s folder marked for the clinic.

Thank you for helping us keep our students healthy and comfortable this season!

• As the weather changes, cold, cough, and allergy season is officially upon us. We want to work together to keep our school community healthy, active, and learning all season long!

• 🛡️ Daily Tips to Keep Students Healthy

  • Wash Hands Frequently: Encourage your child to scrub with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after blowing their nose.

  • Practice Good Cough & Sneeze Hygiene: Remind students to cover their mouths using the crook of their elbow rather than their hands.

  • Stay Hydrated & Rested: A solid night’s sleep and plenty of water help keep young immune systems strong.

  • Know When to Stay Home: If your child has a fever, vomiting, or severe illness symptoms, please keep them home until they are symptom- and fever-free without medication for 24 hours.

In Ohio, we know that the weather can change at a moment's notice! Please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the changing temperature. We go outside for arrival, dismissal, and recess any time that the wind chill is 20 degrees or above. Winter coats, hats, gloves, and boots are recommended. If you are in need of assistance providing winter weather gear for your child or children, please fill out THIS form and we will try to help.

Every week we award the homeroom with the best attendance from the week before with our attendance trophy! They get to have it (and bragging rights!) for the week until they pass it to the next winners. Any homeroom that wins three times in a grading period will get a special prize.

Congratulations to our winners: Mrs. Salomon's Class & Mrs. Lane's Class!

In September we were focusing on the "P" in our PRIDE Promise which is "Prepared". Students who exemplified this characteristic were invited to a Party with the Principals at the beginning of October. We had snacks, games, and play time on the playground to recognize these students. In October, we are focusing on "Respectful" and will celebrate with those students at the beginning of November.

Congratulations to the following students for being "Prepared":

• Kindergarten- Darko C., Anthony S., Alex M.
• 1st Grade- Adalynn P., Lilly S., Braylin R., Connor S.
• 2nd Grade- Mila E., Rayla S., Roman B., Loulah G., Emery F., Aubree W., Romeo R., Josephine H.
• 3rd Grade- Emily M., Charlie B., Harper B.
• 4th Grade- Isaiah F., Reagan W., Max W., Norah B.
• 5th Grade- Joey S., Ryker E., Madelyn T.

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.

We have a very active PTO and we are always looking for more people to get involved to help create fun, engaging, and memorable experiences for our students and families! You are already a member of the PTO by having a child attend our school. There are no membership fees and requirements- plan to attend a meeting!

PTO meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 3:30 PM at Jefferson Elementary. Our next PTO meeting will be Tuesday, 10/20. Your child can stay after school to have a snack and do a fun activity with one of our staff members while you attend our meeting! The meetings are typically under an hour each time. You can come to a meeting or two or attend every one throughout the year. We cannot wait to meet you!

Please sign your child up for our next PTO Meeting HERE.

Contact: jefferson.pto01@gmail.com

Help Sell Pumpkin Grams: signupgenius.com/go/4090C4AABAE2AA5FB6-65737595-pumpkin?useFullSite=true

Help at the Fall Book Fair: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/4090C4AABAE2AA5FB6-66149319-fall?useFullSite=false

• Student cell phones must be turned off and stored in student backpacks. Students may not have their cell phones in their pockets (pants, sweatshirts, jackets etc). Some bus drivers allow kids to use their phones on the bus, but they should not be walking in or out of school with them in their hands/pockets.
• Offense #1 - Staff Member reminds the student to turn the phone off and put it in their backpack (notify classroom teacher for tracking purposes).
  • Classroom teacher discretion whether to notify parents or not.
• ​​​Offense #2 - Staff Member takes the student’s phone and keeps it in their possession (or gives it to the classroom teacher to keep in their possession) until the end of the school day.
  • Classroom teacher will notify parents of the 2nd offense and warn about the consequences of a third offense.
• Offense #3 - Staff Member notifies the classroom teacher and brings the student’s cell phone to the office.
• Principal or Assistant Principal calls home and informs parents that the phone will remain in the office until picked up by the parent.

• Smart watches may only be used to tell time. If students are using them for communication or gaming purposes, they will follow the same rules above stated for cell phones.

  Students are not allowed to have their personal headphones (airpods, earbuds) during class time (unless approved by teacher for use), recess, or during related arts classes. Unauthorized use of these items will result in the above stated processes for cell phones and smart watches.

• Students should not bring their own toys, balls, or electronics to school and may not bring them out to recess. If they do bring them to school (for before/after school use), this is at their own risk, and they need to be kept in the student’s backpack. The school is NOT responsible for lost or stolen items.

• Students may wear hoodies inside the school, but they must keep their hoods down at all times. Having hoods up makes it difficult to identify students and their actions, and often leads to academic disengagement. Hats are not permitted inside the school unless it is a designated “hat day”.

• Outside Food Deliveries are Prohibited (Uber Eats, GrubHub, etc). If a student forgets a lunch, and the family can’t drop one off prior to the student lunch period, we will provide them with a school lunch.