Willoughby-Eastlake Community Update, May 2023

DearWilloughby-EastlakeFamilies,

May is certainly a time of celebration here at Willoughby-Eastlake. Over the past month, we have showered our amazing staff with gratitude, beginning with Administrative Professionals Day on April 26. May 1 was School Bus Driver Appreciation Day and National School Principal’s Day. During the week of May 6-12, we recognized our school nurses in honor of National Nurses Week. And May 8-12 marked Teacher Appreciation Week Staff, I hope each one of you feels honored and valued today and every day See page 11 for some of our favorite moments thanking our staff.

This was just the beginning of our end-of-year festivities. From eighth grade parties to field days, and of course, graduation, I hope all of our students had a fun and memorable end to the 2022-2023 school year. For our class of 2023, I hope the culmination of your high school years was everything you dreamed it would be We wish you nothing but success in your future endeavors

The end of this school year has been especially bittersweet for me. This edition of our newsletter will be my last. It has been a privilege to serve as your Interim Superintendent. I’m grateful for the relationships I’ve made here at W-E, and I want to thank our Board of Education, staff, students, and families for your support Dr Patrick Ward will assume the role of Superintendent on August 1, and I’m confident he will carry on the tradition of W-E: TeachLearn-Grow.

Sincerely,

Charles Murphy

Interim Superintendent

Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools

Charles.Murphy@weschools.org

SAFETY GRANT UPDATE

Willoughby-Eastlake was recently notified by the Ohio K-12 School Safety Grant Program that it is the recipient of a grant in the amount of $890,433 This is the second safety grant the District has been awarded this school year.

The grant dollars will be used to install cameras, lighting and 3M film on windows, as well as secure walkie talkies and portable metal detectors Below is the breakdown of how the funding will be allocated

North - $79,016

South - $71,050

NCI-Eastlake - $84,271

NCI-Willoughby - $79,487

Eastlake Middle - $68,790

Willoughby Middle - $50,000

Willowick Middle - $50,000

School of Innovation - $73,700

Edison - $67,790

Grant - $78,485

Jefferson - $72,237

Longfellow - $65,607

Royalview - $50,000

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?

www.weschools.org

Click on "Parents" sub-head tab (not the dropdown) On green nav bar, click "Fee Schedules"

Click appropriate fee schedule link on page

PAYMENT OPTIONS

1. 2.

Cash/Check/Money Order

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

BOARD APPROVES FIVE-YEAR FORECAST

Every May and November, the Board of Education must approve a fiveyear forecast for the District. The forecast is intended to provide the community with a snapshot of how our dollars are being used and encourages our Board and administrative team to keep a close eye on long-term planning.

On May 2, our community passed a 10-year renewal levy, which sets the District up for success in the immediate future. This levy is a zero increase to taxpayers and will provide funding for the District’s day-today operations, including teachers and staff, technology, supplies, maintenance, and utilities. As many of you may be aware, we’ve become increasingly dependent on local revenue sources. In fact, our revenue breakdown is 76% local funding and 24% state funding

Like districts across the state, external factors such as inflation, voucher expansion, and the uncertain future of the Fair School Funding Plan, have the potential to affect our budget. Additionally, upcoming contract negotiations and increases in healthcare costs, the discontinuation of ESSER (federal COVID-19 relief funding), and master facility planning could pose challenges to our operating expenditures.

As always, we are committed to being good stewards of our taxpayer dollars to provide our students with the best education possible. Thank you for your continued support, and please visit weschools.org to view the five-year forecast and other financial information.

Nick Ciarniello Treasurer/CFO

Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools Nick.Ciarniello@weschools.org

GETTING TO KNOW W-E’S NEW SUPERINTENDENT

What is your background and how have your experiences as an educator prepared you for the role of Superintendent? Q: A: Q: A:

I have always wanted to be an educator. From my early elementary years, I can recall looking at my second-grade teacher (Ms Percenti) and thinking, “I want to do what she does for my job someday.” Over the past 22 years, one thing has remained consistent: I am an educator first. I was lucky to begin my career as a science teacher and during that time, fell in love with the magic that happens in the classroom; the real work of our profession takes place there! Supporting the work that happens in our classrooms has become my passion as a leader.

I have served as an assistant principal for grades 9-10, an associate principal, an eighth grade principal, a high school principal (specifically at South High School), and, for the past seven years, as a curriculum director. Each of these roles has added to my leadership profile and helped refine my core educational beliefs. I believe in the importance of a shared vision, personalization, professional learning, and the power of collaboration Engaging with our communities and our residents to learn about their hopes and dreams for our schools is a top priority.

Contrary to the pervasive narrative, these are exciting times to be in education. The world is changing, technology is impacting our life in ways we can’t even predict, and ALL STUDENTS deserve an educational experience that prepares them for their world! Assuring all kids are career, college, and LIFE-ready is our top priority as a school system.

As Superintendent, I am excited about the opportunity to build upon the great things we currently do for students, as well as continue to innovate, so that Willoughby-Eastlake remains the best choice and option for our families and the communities we serve!

What initially drew you to the field of education and how has your passion for it evolved over the years?

My second-grade teacher and the great teachers I have worked with over the years allowed me to fall in love with and stay in love with the work we do in education. My teachers lit a spark in me early on, and I never looked back. This is such a big lesson for everyone in education today: OUR KIDS ARE WATCHING us every day, and maybe, if we get it right, they might want to do this work some day! In education, we have the chance to help students find their path in life. This is such important work. It keeps me focused every day to keep an eye on the excellence in all we do! Our kids and communities are counting on us.

Dr. Patrick Ward Superintendent Effective August 1, 2023

"Contrary to the pervasive narrative, these are exciting times to be in education."

Q: A: A: A: A: Q: A:

offer incredible pathways, programs, and instructional experiences for our students The opportunity to tell this story through the lens of my experience living here is pretty special. WE HAVE TO TELL OUR STORY. We can’t miss any opportunity to sell Willoughby-Eastlake to our families and residents as a great choice with world-class opportunities for students and staff Living here helps me become an instrumental voice in this narrative

Q: Q: Q:

Tell us about your family.

My wife, Carmelina, and I have been married for 17 years Carm is a lifelong resident of the community, a South High School graduate, and teaches first grade in Mayfield As an educator, she inspires me and reminds me daily of the importance of early education for kids. We have three beautiful (and energetic) kids, Nicholas, Anthony, and Giulia, who keeps all of us on our toes!

What are your personal hobbies and interests?

Free time - that’s a funny question. Most of our free time is spent attending sporting events for our boys, playing with Legos®, or, in the rare instance we have a second, we do enjoy being together outside and hanging out! Personally, I love to run to clear my head and have always found great peace hitting the pavement! The quietest period of my day is often at 5 a.m. when I head out for a distraction-free run.

What is your favorite book, TV show and/or movie?

Favorite Book: I mostly read nonfiction…boring! “Focus” by Mike Schmoker is one of the go-to books on education.

Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans

What is your favorite way to unwind and relax after a long day at work?

Spending time with my family! Eating together and unplugging and disconnecting from technology for a period! We have a saying, “It’s good to disconnect to reconnect.”

"Thisisanamazingplacetoraiseafamily,andourschools offerincrediblepathways,programs,andinstructional experiencesforourstudents."

NORTH HIGH SCHOOL TOP 11 STUDENTS

Congratulations to the 2022-2023 top seniors at North High! This year there was a tie resulting in 11, instead of 10, top students.

Students were recognized at the May Board of Education monthly meeting.

In alphabetical order:

Maya Buongiovanni

Ana Dreno

Emily Hill

Brendan Kuhse

Steven Okerwall

Raphael Okur

Carson Petrecca

Ryan Pirosko

Victoria Safradin

Connor Valaitis

Maria Vurbic

W-E HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL JOB FAIR

Nearly 600 North High School students participated in a Job Fair hosted by W-E on May 2 Approximately 40 employers were on site to talk about the different career opportunities available in the region and connect with students.

Students also completed a scavenger hunt as part of the event, which included practicing skills like making eye contact, giving a firm handshake, and introducing themselves with professionalism and confidence.

Principal Eric Frei said, “If our students aren’t going to college or the military, we want to make sure they are exposed to local career options.”

MUSIC TEACHER’S ARTICLE FEATURED IN NATIONAL JOURNAL

Congratulations to Longfellow Elementary K-5 music teacher Mr. Michael Clements. He recently had an article titled “Remembering Our Why” published in a national music education journal!

NCI STUDENT, MOTHER RECOGNIZED BY CLEVELAND GUARDIANS

Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools has offered adult workforce development for over 60 years. One student, who graduated in May from the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program, is a shining example of how career and technical education can change the trajectory of someone’s life.

Shaneice Ball is a single mother who completed the nursing program in May Thanks to NCI and Ball’s hard work, she now is working in the healthcare field, giving her the earning potential to better care for herself and her young family.

Ms Ball was able to attend nursing school because of the help of the Providence House. The Providence House protects at-risk children and supports families through crisis, strengthening communities to end child abuse and neglect

Due to her dedication and commitment to improving the lives of her children, Ms. Ball was nominated by the Providence House to receive a Mother’s Day Shopping Spree complimentary of the Cleveland Guardians.

Congratulations, Shaniece, we are so proud of you!

SOCIAL STUDIES STUDENTS ALSO AUTHORS IN THE MAKING

To wrap up the school year, Mrs. Downs’ Honors 8 Social Studies classes created a book about a president They shared their work with third graders at Edison The older students loved the opportunity to reconnect with former teachers and in some cases, read their books to their younger siblings Thank you, Mrs Downs, for creating this opportunity for our school district

FIFTH-GRADE

STUDENT

AT GRANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

LEADS INITIATIVE TO HELP RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF NORTHEAST OHIO

Marisa, a fifth-grade student at Grant Elementary School, took the initiative to launch a school-wide pulltab collection drive, raising considerable resources for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio She led her peers, school staff, and family in this effort to help provide much-needed assistance to families and children in need.

"I was thinking in kindergarten, we did pop-tab collections as fundraisers, and we haven't done that for a while I wanted to do something that can help people," Marisa said, detailing her motivation to start the initiative Upon researching ways to help, she discovered the Ronald McDonald House accepted pull-tab donations. Marisa decided to bring the initiative to Grant Elementary.

Working alongside her fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Brown, and with the approval of the school principal, Marisa kick-started the campaign, which quickly generated massive support "I told Mrs Brown about my idea, and she liked it a lot. So the next day, I talked to the principal, and she agreed to help us get started," Marisa shared.

The fundraiser far exceeded their initial expectations The student body showed so much enthusiasm it resulted in the collection of not just small boxes but large garbage bags filled with pull tabs "We started collecting, passing out flyers, and making announcements in school Our efforts had such a big impact that we ended up with garbage bags full of pull tabs, which was amazing," said Marisa.

The collected tabs were transported to the Ronald McDonald House, where they were weighed, and the equivalent value was donated to the charity. The funds raised will go toward therapies, surgeries, food, and family support activities offered by the organization

Mrs Brown expressed pride in her student's accomplishments "Marisa has done extremely well People are recognizing what a great young lady she is. She skipped recess multiple times to help with the project, showing a level of dedication that is truly admirable," she said.

Marisa's drive and dedication have not only provided valuable resources to the Ronald McDonald House but also instilled a sense of community service and responsibility among her peers at Grant Elementary School

"Marisa has truly demonstrated exceptional leadership skills She consistently thinks outside the box and always considers the bigger picture,” Mrs. Brown added. “We rely on students who can see beyond what's right in front of them, who can transcend their own needs, and who possess a level of maturity that speaks highly of their upbringing. Marisa's parents have clearly instilled these valuable skills in her."

This initiative sets a great example and represents the spirit of empathy and giving back that we like to encourage in our students at Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools

MUCH APPRECIATION FOR W-E STAFF

SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL

NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

NORTHERN CAREER INSTITUTE

The Eastlake sign, completed by the welding students, has been installed on Lakeshore Boulevard

Congratulations to the Girls' Flag Football Team for winning the High School Division Championship

Students enjoy a Field Day of fun with games and concessions

The Marching Band marched on Memorial Day

The choir performs at the Lake County Captains game

SCHOOL VIEWS

GRANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Students enjoy field day with games, treats, and bounce house fun

LONGFELLOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Students enjoy learning about all types of jobs during Career Day

THOMAS

SCHOOL

Student Council enjoys a Book Tasting with Mrs. Kobus in the Media Center

Students and staff decorate the sidewalks of TJ with colorful artwork

JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL VIEWS

ROYALVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Staff present the annual One School, One Book selection

SCHOOL OF INNOVATION

5th graders check out the inside of the SWAT truck as part of their DARE program

Students try out their self-made Field Day games

WILLOUGHBY-EASTLAKE PRESCHOOL

Students enjoy Dr.Seuss Day

Students test out their solar car projects

NORTH & SOUTH ALUMNI GROUPS

Click the links below to follow the pages and stay up-to-date on the exciting developments regarding each group.

North HS Alumni Association Website

North HS Alumni Association Facebook Page

South HS Alumni Association Website

South HS Alumni Association Facebook Page

ALUMNI & COMMUNITY INFORMATION 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!

*Lakeline does not have a website

Important Info & Updates

Questions?

Email

DISTRICT 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