Willoughby-Eastlake Community Update, February 2023

COMMUNITY UPDATE Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools

W E

FEBRUARY 2023

W E February 2022

Superintendent Search Update Kindergarten Registration Mental Health Awareness Student Athlete Signings

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR SUPERINTENDENT Dear Willoughby-Eastlake Families, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for our dedicated teachers and staff. Their hard work, passion and commitment to our students is truly remarkable and I am honored to work alongside them.

The achievements and growth of our students would not be possible without their efforts. They continuously accept new challenges and adapt to changes, while still providing a high-quality education to our students. Their creativity, flexibility and resilience are truly inspiring.

The classrooms are filled with excitement and energy as our students continue to explore new ideas and develop their skills. From innovative science experiments to engaging language arts lessons, our teachers are fostering a love of learning in our students. Our music and art programs continue to thrive, and our student-athletes are learning important life skills beyond technical ability, such as teamwork.

Again, thank you for your efforts to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. You are truly making a difference in the lives of our students and we are grateful for all that you do.

Together, we are building a bright future for our students and our community.

Sincerely, Charles Murphy

W-E UPCOMING DATES

Interim Superintendent Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools Charles.Murphy@weschools.org

March 15 - End of 3rd Quarter March 27-31 - Spring Break

W-E SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH UPDATE Finding Leaders, the District’s search firm, completed multiple focus groups and an online survey recently.

Over 100 stakeholders participated in the focus groups and more than 500 individuals completed the online survey, providing us with a clear understanding of the priorities and expectations of our community, parents, and staff. The feedback was used to identify common themes and develop a profile for the desired characteristics of the next superintendent.

IMPORTANT DATES

Thank you to all of you that took the time to provide feedback!

March Semi-finalists presented to Board

Finding Leaders is currently in the process of recruiting candidates, with interviews beginning shortly. Semi-finalists will be presented to the Board in March and the final round of interviews will take place in early April.

April Final rounds of interviews

February 2023

www.weschools.org

DISTRICT INFORMATION KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools is currently inviting parents and guardians to register their children for kindergarten.

Registration opens March 1, 2023 Interested individuals are encouraged to contact their elementary school or the central registration office at (440) 975-3784 to complete the registration process.

Incentives are also being offered to those who register early, with a free gift being provided for registrations completed by June 1st.

WILLOUGHBY MIDDLE COMMUNITY STEM NIGHT

K.I.D.S. FIRST NIGHT Click image to learn more about K.I.D.S. First Night

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS INFORMATION On February 23, NAMI of Lake County hosted a Mental Health Awareness presentation "Ending the Silence for Families" on Zoom for W-E families. Donna Bares, Director of School Outreach, talked about warning signs to watch for in teens as well as services and outreach programs available.

Below is Donna's contact information and the NAMI website which has many helpful resources for families.

Donna Bares, MSCE Director of School Outreach 440-639-1200, ext 101 cell 440.669.8839 donna@namilake.org NAMI Lake County, OH One Victoria Square, Ste. 100 Painesville, OH 44077

DATE Thursday, March 9th 5:00-7:00 p.m.

http://namilakecountyohio.org/

LOCATION Willoughby Middle School Event Registration https://tinyurl.com/2p8c6s89 Willoughby-Eastlake Schools Community Update

DISTRICT INFORMATION DOES YOUR STUDENT HAVE FEES? Parent Portal The W-E Parent Portal is a secure website where parents can access grades, attendance, fees, and other information about their children enrolled in the Willoughby-Eastlake School District.

Once logged into the Parent Portal, click on "Balance" to see assessed fees.

Need to sign up for the Parent Portal?

Click here to learn how: Parent Portal Guide Instructions.pdf

SCHOOL FEE SCHEDULES The breakdown of what makes up the fees per grade/program can be found on the District website, or by clicking the links below. Questions about your student's fees?

Please reach out to your school building.

2022-2023 Student Fee Schedule - Elementary (includes SOI grades 3-5) 2022-2023 Student Fee Schedule - Secondary School (middle and high school, Excel TECC)

Where are the school fee schedules on the website?

1. www.weschools.org 2. Click on "Parents" sub-head tab (not the dropdown) 3. On green nav bar, click "Fee Schedules" 4. Click appropriate fee schedule link on page

PAYMENT OPTIONS at PaySchools 1. Online www.weschools.org > Parent > Payschools Order 2. Cash/Check/Money Include student's name in the memo PAYMENT DEADLINE Fees are due upon receipt.

If families are unable to pay in full at the time of receipt, payments can be made throughout the year.

Unpaid balances could be sent to collections.

February 2023

www.weschools.org

TREASURER'S UPDATE WORKING WITH AN ENERGY SAVINGS CONSULTANT: A SMART INVESTMENT FOR SCHOOLS Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools has taken a proactive approach to reduce energy costs by working with an energy consultant. The consultant has helped the District lock in the lowest electric and gas rates possible and has also worked with the district to complete several LED lighting projects. These projects have reduced the District's electric usage and have helped to lower electricity costs.

One of the projects the District has completed is the installation of LED lighting in the gyms of Edison and Grant Elementary Schools. LED lights are highly energy efficient, and they emit less heat than traditional incandescent lights. This means that less energy is needed to cool the gym and that the school can save money on its electricity bill.

The District also completed LED lighting projects in the hallways of Royalview Elementary School and Willowick Middle School. These projects have not only reduced energy consumption and costs but have also improved the quality of light in the hallways. This improved lighting has helped create a more welcoming and safe environment for students, staff, and visitors.

By investing in energy efficiency, W-E can ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used wisely and that we are creating a more sustainable future for everyone.

Nick Ciarniello Treasurer/CFO Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools nick.ciarniello@weschools.org

Easy, accessible WE GO app Willoughby-Eastlake Schools Community Update

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS IMMERSIVE LEARNING: APPLYING MATH CONCEPTS WITH VIRTUAL REALITY At the School of Innovation, students use the Prism Virtual Reality program to apply mathematical concepts to real-life situations.

Through interactive simulations, seventh-grade students explored systems of equations and exponential functions to apply systems of equations to the real-life problem of air traffic controllers determining the timing and spacing of plane take-offs. They also explored how viruses circulate through a population.

Eighth graders use Prisms VR modules in math to learn various concepts. In Math 8, students learn about "rate of change" by exploring the effects of different weather conditions on thinking distance and reaction time when a high-speed train travels at various speeds. In Algebra 1, students act as air traffic controllers to explore the flight paths of two planes headed for a collision. This leads them to understand the idea behind "systems of equations" on a graph.

In Geometry, "trigonometry" is used for students to consider how the height of a building and the sun's angle impact the length of the shadow created over a school playground. In Algebra 2, students visit a stunt plane simulation lab to explore flight trajectories. This teaches them how to solve quadratics with "complex roots" using vertex form and standard form equations.

Students love this opportunity! This hands-on learning approach is fun and engaging while, at the same time, helping students apply their math skills to real-world scenarios.

STUDENTS UNLEASH THEIR CREATIVITY AT WILLOWICK MIDDLE MAKERSPACE The programs offer students and teachers the chance to learn 3D, Laser, and Vinyl design with programs like Tinkercad, Cricut, Cutstudio, and Inkscape. Each week, students can complete design challenges to earn V.I.P passes, which give them exclusive access to the Makerspace during study hall and on V.I.P ONLY days. On these special days, the entire media center transforms into a giant Makerspace, where students can learn electronics, building, mindbending puzzles, and more. Teachers can also bring their classes to explore design principles through lessons created by Media Specialist Ms. Romano that tie into their curriculum.

February 2023

www.weschools.org

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS South High Senior Vyas Pai Named National Merit Finalist Senior Vyas Pai recently joined the ranks of a small percentage of students across the nation by being named a National Merit Finalist. The award is offered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation each year and issues scholarships to roughly 10,000 students based on their PSAT scores and other accomplishments. Here’s what he had to say about the process and honor.

What does it mean to you that you received this award?

I am truly honored to receive this award. I am very grateful for the fact that it puts me a step closer to realizing my collegiate dreams and professional aspirations. I am also very thankful for the South High teachers and administrators who have helped support me throughout my years in high school and encouraged me.

What has the application process been like?

The process began when I took the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall of 2021.

Because I scored in the top 1% nationally, I was informed that I was a semifinalist in September 2022. I was then required to send an application with my SAT score, my grades, a list of my activities, and an essay.

For the essay, I had to write about a person who has influenced me in some significant way.

Having been part of FIRST Robotics for seven years, I wrote about Dean Kamen, a prolific inventor and the founder of FIRST. I attribute my growth as a student of engineering to the collaborative environment within FIRST. I have found that the only thing that supersedes innovation itself is its lasting impact on society. Inspiring a generation of students to pursue STEM is an admirable accomplishment by Mr. Kamen, who I revere as an aspiring engineer.

What are your plans after graduation?

I intend to major in Computer Engineering, specializing in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), for both my undergraduate and graduate studies. I understand AI combined with robotics has revolutionary applications in various industries and holds the promise of improving the quality of human life. I believe that my collegiate endeavors will help prepare me for the vast future and untapped prospects in these two fields.

About half of the finalists will be chosen as Merit Scholarship winners. We’re cheering for you, Vyas, and congratulations!

SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING GET HELP www.safeschoolhelpline.com Download the free SSHL Mobile app Willoughby-Eastlake Schools Community Update

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS WILLOWICK MIDDLE STUDENTS START SMALL BUSINESS Willowick Middle School students are not only learning about entrepreneurship, but they are involved in all aspects of running a small business at the Lancer Cafe with the help of their teacher Christine Carnett. From designing the sign to creating a utility cart, they are doing it all.

The students collaborated with Gail Myers from the Fab Lab to print the neon sign, and the cart is being built by students at Lakeland Community College and Euclid High School under the direction of Tom Roseum. It's incredible to see how much our students have accomplished, and we can't wait to see what they will achieve next!

WILLOWICK MIDDLE PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB The Photography Club at Willowick Middle School is the perfect place for aspiring young photographers to develop their skills. Meeting after school, students learn the basics of photography and are encouraged to use their new knowledge to capture school-related events like dances, PBIS events, Drama Club, and sports. With each challenge, the students are pushed to expand their photographic horizons and explore new ways of looking at the world around them.

Recently, the club took on the "10 Things I Love" challenge, resulting in a collection of stunning images that captured the essence of their passions.

With each session, the Photography Club inspires its members to see the world through a new lens and express themselves through their art.

February 2023

www.weschools.org

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE SIGNINGS Congratulations to these student-athletes for committing to further their academic and athletic careers at the next level!

South High School

Ryan Wallace Tiffin University - softball

Jeremiah Atwell (left) St. Bonaventure - baseball

Joe Schimizzi Thiel College - baseball

Sydney Farinacci Malone University - soccer

Leah Richter and Emalee Harala Lakeland Community College - softball

Giovanni Holmecki (right) Lake Erie College - baseball

North High School

Kailey Minch Ursuline College - basketball

Shaena Brooks Juniata College - volleyball

Curtis Thomas University of South Dakota - football

Mya Latham Shawnee State University basketball

Willoughby-Eastlake Schools Community Update

SCHOOL VIEWS SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL

Students enjoy crêpes in French class to celebrate the February holiday “la Chandeleur”

Congratulations to the Bowling Team for winning their 3rd Western Reserve Conference Championship

NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

The Northern Lights takes orders for their popular Valentine’s Day Sing-O-Grams

First North Girls Bowling Team to make it to Districts

NORTHERN CAREER INSTITUTE

Students receive Valentine's from students in the SAIL Career Options program Students in welding finalize the man-eating plant for the North Play "Little Shop of Horrors"

SCHOOL VIEWS

EMS EASTLAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Students enjoy the Valentine's Day dance

WILLOUGHBY MIDDLE SCHOOL

Students kick off February with Kindness Week

WILLOWICK MIDDLE SCHOOL

Students enjoy their VIP passes to the Makerspace where they have access to an assortment of activities, challenges, book talks and more

Mrs. Downs took her 8th grade honors Social Studies classes to the Willoughby Court House

SCHOOL VIEWS EDISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Students celebrate Fun in February with daily themes and events

GRANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Students learning how to work the new 3D pens

LONGFELLOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Students celebrate the 100th day of school

Thank you Sgt. Hupp for being a guest reader

Students celebrate the 100th day of school

SCHOOL VIEWS ROYALVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Students enjoy bedtime stories on Principal's Night to end book fair week

PBIS reward winners learn how to make playable snow

WILLOUGHBY-EASTLAKE PRESCHOOL

SCHOOL OF INNOVATION

Students learn about hibernation by turning their classroom into cave areas

SOI students participated in the Design & Build Challenge at the Great Lakes Science Center

ALUMNI & COMMUNITY INFORMATION NORTH & SOUTH ALUMNI GROUPS Facebook pages have been set up for both Willoughby South High School Alumni and Eastlake North High School Alumni. Click the links to the right to follow the page(s) and stay up-to-date on the exciting developments regarding each group.

Eastlake North High School Alumni

Willoughby South High School Alumni

COSMETOLOGY SALON OPEN TO PUBLIC The NCI Willoughby Cosmetology Clinic is open for business! All students are supervised by Mrs. Conti, our licensed Cosmetology Instructor. Please call 440-602-5140 for an appointment.

Clinic Schedule Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Services Include: Haircuts Blow Dry & Style Manicures Pedicures

Facials Perms Hair Color Highlights

Call for your next appointment!

(440) 602-5140

COMMUNITY CORNER Willoughby-Eastlake Schools serves seven communities: Eastlake, Lakeline, Timberlake, Waite Hill, Willoughby, Willoughby Hills and Willowick. Many of these communities have recreation departments and senior centers that offer multiple events, classes and activities for students and their families. You can find their websites here and become active in your community!

EASTLAKE Recreation Leagues Senior Center

VILLAGE OF TIMBERLAKE

Willoughby

WILLOUGHBY HILLS

Website

Recreation Department Senior Center

*Lakeline does not have a website.

Recreation Department Senior Center

WAITE HILL Website

WILLOWICK Recreation Department Senior Center

ATTENDANCE NUMBERS Please be sure to report your student's absence.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Edison Elementary School

(440) 283-2176

Grant Elementary School

(440) 283-4085

Jefferson Elementary School

(440) 283-2177

Longfellow Elementary School

(440) 283-4086

Royalview Elementary School

(440) 283-2179

School of Innovation

(440) 283-2149

MIDDLE SCHOOLS Eastlake Middle School

(440) 283-4084

School of Innovation

(440) 283-2149

Willoughby Middle School

(440) 283-2182

Willowick Middle School

(440) 283-2183

HIGH SCHOOLS North High School

(440) 283-2178

South High School

(440) 283-2180

NCI Eastlake

(440) 283-4087

NCI Willoughby

(440) 283-4088 Willoughby-Eastlake Schools Community Update

Important Info & Updates Questions?

Email us anytime at PR@weschools.org

DISTRICT CALENDAR 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR DISTRICT MASTER CALENDAR - allows you to filter calendar events by school and dates, print and export the calendar for transfer to electronic device W-E Tip! Check your school's website for any additional events by the school or parent/booster organizations.

LOOKING FOR INFORMATION? Do you have a question about the Willoughby-Eastlake School District and you are not sure who to ask?

STEP 1: Go to the source of your question.

Classroom related - contact your child's teacher Building related - contact your building administrator W-E Website - our website has lots of great information Not sure? Contact the Board of Education Office at (440) 946-5000 or email pr@weschools.org and someone will be happy to assist you.

CONNECT WITH US

Teach - Learn - Grow Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools - 35353 Curtis Blvd. - Eastlake, OH 44095