Washington Local Schools

PARENT SHOUT: "I want to take a moment to recognize Ms. Wietro for the wonderful, caring, and thoughtful person she is. My daughter is a freshman at Whitmer. Starting high school has been a big change for her, especially since she has Autism. Ms. Wietro has always and continues to go above and beyond for her. Since day one she has been so supportive with every obstacle we’ve faced and every challenge Kaitlyn has come across. Just today, Kaitlyn had a meltdown about missing lunch because she wasn’t feeling well. Ms. Wietro took it upon herself to drive to our home and make sure Kaitlyn had the lunch she wanted. For some it may seem small but for Kaitlyn, it changed her whole day. I am so thankful that we have someone constantly looking out for our girl and someone who truly cares for her well-being. She deserves so much recognition for all she’s done for our family this year.” Sometimes parents put into words what WE see every day. So many students have benefitted from Ms. Wietrzykowski's love! *DO YOU WANT TO SHOUT OUT A WLS STAFF MEMBER? EMAIL YOUR WORDS (and picture if you have one!) TO KPETERS@WLS4KIDS.ORG.

#studentfutures #pastheroes #bhm

SCHOOL CLOSED THURSDAY 2/6/2025: Washington Local Schools will be CLOSED on Thursday, Feb 6, 2025 due to the icy conditions . The scheduled early dismissal and professional development are cancelled. *TEXT/EMAIL ALERTS WILL BE SENT AT 5:30 AM TO MINIMIZE SLEEP DISRUPTION.

#studentfutures #pastheroes #bhm

HAPPY SCHOOL COUNSELORS' WEEK! 🎉 We celebrate and appreciate our amazing school counselors for their dedication, compassion, and commitment to student success. Washington Local is lucky to have these incredible individuals leading with empathy, showing integrity and loving students. Counselors- Thank you for the countless ways you support, guide, and inspire our school community every day! 💙✨ #SchoolCounselorsRock

#studentfutures #pastheroes #bhm

STAFF SHOUT: "Katie Sandy is the primary Intervention Specialist for Meadowvale. She helps students throughout Kindergarten through Second Grade that may need any additional support. Katie works hard to provide any additional assistance that may be needed for students and teachers. She is always there when a family needs something as well. Katie is such a great asset to our district for our students, teachers, staff, and their families. We love having her as our co-worker and teammate at Meadowvale!" Providing support to children, in order to help them succeed, is such purpose-driven passion - and Ms. Sandy CLEARLY has it! Way to go!

SENIOR PARENTS: MEETING #2 HAS BEEN SCHEDULED!

PARENT SHOUT: "My daughter is an 8th grader at Washington, and I just have to comment on Mr Gill-Snow. We experienced a tragic loss in our family recently and my daughter was impacted and it affected her school work. Instead of sitting back and watching her fail his class, he went up to her today and said, "How can I get you motivated about science?" These words meant more to her than he will ever know. This meant he saw her, he cared about her, and he wanted her to succeed. I hope he receives some sort of acknowledgement for this, as he made my daughter feel that there is a teacher who saw her as a hurting child - not a kid who doesn't want to do her work." Taking the extra time to understand a student is the difference-maker that so many teachers exhibit. Mr. Gill-Snow is among the best. 💝

STAFF SHOUT: "Mr. Brown is an incredible math teacher committed to helping students understand why mathematics works. He's constantly striving to improve his teaching methods, and always reading about the latest best practices in education. His dedication to his craft is evident – and he's even published two articles sharing his insights and struggles with other practicing teachers and presented at state conferences. Mr. Brown creates a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel comfortable exploring and developing their understanding of mathematics. He takes the time to have one-on-one conferences with his students, ensuring everyone feels supported. He's especially dedicated to his advocate students, checking in on both their personal and academic well-being. It's clear that Mr. Brown genuinely cares about his students and is committed to making math accessible and enjoyable for everyone." That raving endorsement needs no more because it's all true and we are so happy Mr. Brown received it!

STAFF SHOUT: "Paraprofessional Denise Huston has been a wonderful addition to our 4th grade team at Meadowvale. She jumped in with both feet when she was hired in the middle of the year and you would never know she wasn't with us from the start. Though she is primarily a one on one para, she consistently volunteers to help other students and teachers in any way she can. We are so glad to have her on our team!" This Para Powerhouse was an exceptional hire and those are some LUCKY Eagles!

Congratulations to Whitmer's new head Football Coach, Justin Keller!

🔴⚪🔵Whitmer Junior, Noah took the Americanism test in the Fall and received a NEAR-PERFECT score! His test score moved him to the state level , where Noah has won a free trip to Gettysburg and DC in March! 🔴⚪🔵 WEA RE SO PROUD!

STAFF SHOUT: "I want to take a moment to celebrate the amazing Kim Huey, superstar Jefferson secretary! 🌟 Kim goes above and beyond for every single staff member in this building, and her kind heart and thoughtfulness shine so brightly. She adores our kids, and you can tell—they feel her love and support every single day. 💖 Even with so much on her plate, Kim shows up with a big smile and makes everyone feel valued and heard. She’s also the queen of making our substitutes feel welcomed and appreciated—talk about spreading joy! Jefferson is so incredibly lucky to have her, and we are all beyond grateful for everything she does. Kim, you’re simply the best! 🎉✨" There is not a thing Ms. Huey would not do to help a student or staff member. WLS is so lucky to have her!

STAFF SHOUT: "Washington Local has some of the best paraprofessionals in education and Meadowvale Elementary is lucky to have Mrs. Susan Kutz. Mrs. Kutz is a phenomenal classroom aide/paraprofessional. She is dedicated, patient, and hardworking. From working tirelessly to help students with their academics and needs in the classroom, to monitoring recess and the lunchroom, Mrs. Kutz does it all for the students. She is more than willing to take on any task given to her. She is always there to support the teachers, administrators, and staff. She is the true definition of a team player. She's simply the best!" Our paraprofessionals are such an invaluable asset to our schools - and Ms. Kutz is the perfect example!

If you're a Buckeye, let everybody know it! Dress like a CHAMPION on Friday!

Due to predicted frigid temperatures, Washington Local Schools will be closed on Wednesday, 1/22/25. Bundle up and stay warm!

STAFF-TO-STAFF SHOUTOUT: "I would like to give a shout out to the amazing staff at Meadowvale that jumped into action on December 20, 2024 when I (also an employee) endured a medical crisis. The quick actions of Ann Manley, Katie Exton, Michelle Streeter and many other staff members provided me with care and compassion till medical professionals arrived. Not only did they provide me the urgent care that I needed but they were quick to reroute and keep the students safe! They're all Rock stars! Shout out to Jerry Bell for getting my daughter safely from Whitmer to Meadowvale. Getting coverage for her to be able to be there with me. Shout out to the parent (a nurse) that just happened to be in the "right place" and provided care since the school nurse wasn't available! Washington Local is extremely fortunate to have all these outstanding staff members. I'm very grateful and blessed to work alongside these amazing staff members that have become my family! I will never be able to "repay" them all but trust and believe I will continue to make my impact on Meadowvale!"

STAFF SHOUT: "Araya Oliver has been an exceptional hire this year! She goes above and beyond for her students at Shoreland, always planning the most fun experiences full of learning the required skills too! She is a wealth of knowledge and always willing to step in and step up!" New to WLS but instantly FAMILY. We are so blessed to have her!

STAFF SHOUT: "Ms. Williams is a substitute teacher with WLS. Her warm smile and patient demeanor has made her a favorite among the students.The first time I witnessed her in a class, she was engaged with the students and making them laugh and enjoy the lessons she was teaching. She makes students feel safe and shows them just how much potential they have, even if those students don't see that in themselves. We are so lucky to have such an amazing individual at WLS!" Ms. Williams loves our kids and they love her back! Thank you for ALL you do!