Willoughby-Eastlake Community Update, October 2022

COMMUNITY UPDATE Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools

W E

OCTOBER 2022

W E February 2022

Safe School Hotline Car Raffle #2 North Art Club Project Alumni Meeting

A Message from Your Superintendent Willoughby-Eastlake Families, This school year is flying by! Over the past month, we’ve kicked off the second quarter and begun assessing our School Report Card results.

Ohio’s School Report Cards were released in mid-September.

They are designed to give parents, community members, educators and policymakers information about how a district and individual schools are performing. This was the first time in two years that report cards have been issued as a result of the pandemic. The traditional letter grade rating system was replaced this year by a five-star rating, with one being the lowest (needs support) and five being the highest (significantly exceeds).

Photo credited to NH Athletics

I’m happy to report that the district received five stars in the Gap Closing category and four stars in the Graduation category. In the areas of Achievement, Progress and Early Literacy, we are meeting state expectations, however, we know we can do better. We will continue diving into the data to determine ways we can improve.

In other news, and as I’m sure most of you know, WilloughbyEastlake will be on the November 8th ballot with a renewal levy that will result in zero increase to taxes. More information is available later in this issue of the Community Update.

Photo credited to SH Athletics

Read on to learn more about how we’re continuing to TeachLearn-Grow our students, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions by emailing charles.murphy@weschools.org.

Sincerely, Charles Murphy

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

October 2022

W-E Preschool students are stimulated by the Halloween Town set up by staff

www.weschools.org

DISTRICT INFORMATION SAFE SCHOOL HELPLINE Student and staff safety is of the utmost importance to Willoughby-Eastlake. The Safe School Helpline is available to students, staff members and the community to report concerns they have regarding the well-being of those in our schools. All calls are confidential.

The helpline is a convenient way for anyone to report information regarding topics such as: School safety Disruptive activities Drug or alcohol abuse Harassment Weapons Threats SEE SOMETHING - SAY SOMETHING GET HELP www.safeschoolhelpline.com Download the free SSHL Mobile app

WILLOUGHBY-EASTLAKE SCHOOL SAFETY A primary focus of Willoughby-Eastlake Schools is security. Some of the security initiatives that the District has addressed include: Continuous updates to district emergency protocols using a cloud based system Utilization of the Raptor system, a comprehensive visitor management system Secured school entrances - "bullpens" Continued practice of safety drills such as ALICE training, lockdowns, etc. for staff and students School Messenger is the electronic notification system that is used by the District. The District utilizes this system to share updates and important information. The system is also used by the superintendent to notify parents of calamity days and emergency situations.

Your phone numbers and notification settings can be updated from within the Parent Portal in PowerSchool.

To learn about W-E safety initiatives, click the link below.

DISTRICT UPDATE DISTRICT ON NOVEMBER 8TH BALLOT WITH RENEWAL LEVY Willoughby-Eastlake Schools is on the November 8th ballot with a renewal levy. This will result in a zero increase to taxpayers. If passed, the monies will help cover the day-to-day operations of the district including teachers and staff, technology, supplies, maintenance, and utilities.

To learn more, view the August 8th board meeting beginning at the 50-minute mark. Board meeting recordings are available on our website at weschools.org under the Board of Education tab.

Below is a list of cuts that will be considered should the levy fail.

October 2022

www.weschools.org

TREASURER'S UPDATE WILLOUGHBY-EASTLAKE COST-SAVING MEASURES PAYING OFF We are dedicated to making the best use of our taxpayer dollars to ensure as much funding as possible goes back into the classroom. As a result, we routinely assess our contracts and other services for cost-saving opportunities. A few of our recent achievements include the following: Implemented a virtual credit card for paying vendors. To date, the district has received nearly $12,000.

Changed health insurance carriers, resulting in savings of more than $760,000 while also reducing the plan’s risks.

Purchased three buses with state funding rather than leasing them through our transportation provider, Petermann Transportation, for a savings of $235,000.

Renegotiated the five-year contract with Petermann Transportation for a savings of $2 million.

The district has also realized savings of roughly $163,000 through reducing banking fees, securing a higher interest rate on bank accounts, auditing our electricity needs and rate, and going paperless in the treasurer’s office. We will continue to make the best use of the funds entrusted to us, and as always, thank you for your support of our students and their educational journey.

Nick Ciarniello

Treasurer/CFO

Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools nick.ciarniello@weschools.org

visit the Treasurer's Webpage for: Financial Reports Five Year Forecast Audit Reports

Willoughby-Eastlake Schools Community Update

DISTRICT NEWS SERPENTINI CAR RAFFLE - FUNDS FOR STUDENTS The Willoughby-Eastlake Schools Foundation is once again selling raffle tickets for a brand new Chevy Trax SUV which has been generously donated by Serpentini Chevrolet of Willoughby Hills and The Chevy Network. This is the second car the District has received from Serpentini that will benefit participating student groups. Buyers can select which student group(s) will receive their donation by specifying a percentage during the check-out process.

Ticket Deadline: Monday, Dec 12, 2022 Ticket Drawing: December 20, 2022

TICKET OPTIONS 1 chance - $10 3 chances - $25 7 chances - $50

15 chances - $100 40 chances - $200

SCAN QR CODE OR VISIT WESCHOOLS.ORG www.weschools.org

October 2022

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS SOUTH STUDENT AND STAFF RECEIVE SPECIAL AWARDS Each year, the State Support Team 4 honors outstanding students and educators throughout Lake and Geauga Counties with the Walter Horn Awards. This award recognizes students with a disability who have shown exemplary performance and intervention specialists who have shown outstanding performance with their students.

Raymond A. Horn Outstanding Achievement Award Robert Jacobs, a student at South High School, was presented with the Raymond A. Horn Award.

Robert is known for his incredible smile! Robert experienced a medical crisis during the summer of 2020, and since that time, he has been working extremely hard to overcome the many obstacles he has faced. His positive attitude and consistent motivation to improve have been an inspiration to everyone he encounters. He always greets others with a smile and a ‘can do’ attitude. He does not let any of the challenges he faces affect his progress or outlook on life.

IEP Team–The Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Special Educator Award This year, a group of special education professionals was awarded this award. They are: Risa Uvlin, Janelle Puntel, Shari Thompson, Tracey Svitavsky, Alyssa Toomey and Kim Tylicki. This team has worked collaboratively over the past year to put programming in place for Robert. When he returned to school in the fall of 2021 there were many needs and many unknowns. They have truly functioned as a team. They have brought together their various areas of expertise, positive attitudes, and consistent motivation to assist this student in meeting and exceeding his goals. They are passionate about what they do for this student, and also for each and every student that they serve.

Shelby Meyers–Outstanding Paraprofessional Award Willoughby-Eastlake would also like to recognize Shelby Meyers, Robert’s assistant, with an Outstanding Paraprofessional Award. Shelby is extremely helpful and supportive to Robert. She does a great job of balancing being supportive of his needs, while also encouraging him to increase his independence. Shelby goes above and beyond on a daily basis for Robert and is always willing to help other students or staff that may need assistance as well. We are fortunate to have Shelby as an essential part of Robert’s team and of the South staff.

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS ART CLUB BRINGING COMMUNITY TOGETHER Holiday preparations are ramping up at North High School! The school’s Art Club, consisting of eight juniors and seniors, has been hard at work preparing 8-foot wooden snowmen that will be displayed across the cities of Willoughby and Willowick this holiday season.

The tradition started in 2017 when Art Club instructors Mrs. Kirschnick and Nicole Staunton were approached by Mayors Regovich and Morley about partnering on a community outreach project. Since then, residents have enjoyed nearly 80 snowmen along Vine Street and Lakeshore Boulevard designed by some of the high school’s most talented artists.

“Some years we’ve gotten requests, such as a swimsuit-clad snowman for Christmas in July, or a police or firefighter snowman to help celebrate our first responders,” said Mrs. Kirschnick.

The project also involves Northern Career Institute, where Success Academy students secure and cut the masonite based on a template provided by Art Club, and Automotive program students practice their painting skills by adding a base coat before the artists get to work on their masterpieces.

“It’s truly a point of pride for our students to see their artwork on display, and to know that it’s valued by the community as well,” said Staunton.

Be on the lookout for this year’s snowmen, which will be placed shortly before Thanksgiving.

October 2022

www.weschools.org

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

SCHOOL VIEWS SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL

Congratulations to Vyas Pai for being selected as a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist. Semifinalists are the highest scoring entrants in each state. Vyas will continue on to the National Merit Scholarship Program competition.

Congratulations to Anthony Frank for earning WRC Player of the Year in golf

South Alumnus Andrew Osagie-Erese at the South Football National Guard game

NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

North High students participating in Make A Difference Day

Boys Varsity soccer team wins the WRC title and Head Coach Steve Misick was named Championship Coach

NORTHERN CAREER INSTITUTE

Welding student fires up the oxy acetelyne torch

Auto Technology student checking under the hood

Nursing students practicing using gait belts

SCHOOL VIEWS

Students enjoying a lab

EMS

7th grade SOI students versus staff volleyball game

EASTLAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL

The volleyball teams celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness at their last home game

WILLOWICK MIDDLE SCHOOL

Student Council attended the Kindness Rally

Students in Mrs. Carnett's class started up their Coffee Cart project for the staff this month

Willoughby-Eastlake Schools Community Update

SCHOOL VIEWS WILLOUGHBY MIDDLE SCHOOL

8th Grade Volleyball Team takes 3rd place in Western Reserve Conference

Ms. Dodich's 6th grade science students embracing the elements with their self-made shirts

EDISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Hard at work and hard at play! Edison students soar through the first quarter of 2022/23.

ROYALVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The Royalview Buck received a makeover.

Congratulations to the finalists!

Students enjoying their first time in the new Makerspace October 2022

www.weschools.org

SCHOOL VIEWS LONGFELLOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Longfellow Student Council meeting

Party with the Principals PBIS Winners

Halloween Bingo

GRANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jefferson Elementary students held their annual Fun Run and raised over $18,000

WILLOUGHBY-EASTLAKE PRESCHOOL

Grant Elementary students held their annual Bulldog Jog and raised over $25,000

W-E Preschool's Halloween Town

ALUMNI & COMMUNITY INFORMATION NORTH/SOUTH ALUMNI ORGANIZATION MEETING Calling all North & South High School Alumni!

The first North/South Alumni Association meeting will be held on: November 16th, 2022 6:30 PM South High School 4900 Shankland Blvd, Willoughby This is the first of many meetings to gather ideas, set research, and start the creation of two organizations. Please sign up via the google form link below if you plan to attend so we can collect an estimated number of people.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP The next meeting will be held at North High School in January 2023.

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 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.

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