Washington Local Schools

*This rock star educator received TWO nominations which we have combined below. STAFF SHOUT: 1. "Mrs. Mary Anne Morelli (Hiawatha) is an exceptional teacher and colleague. She not only goes above and beyond to meet the needs of her students and their families, but she does the same for the staff of Hiawatha and her colleagues throughout the district. Mrs. Morelli is ALWAYS the first one in and the last one to leave the building. She is the true definition of a dedicated educator. She is not only an asset to the Washington Local School District but to the entire teaching profession." 2. "When you think about the saying, It takes one person to make the difference in the life of a child, Hiawatha 2nd grade teacher Mary Anne Morreli comes to mind. A veteran teacher, she has spent countless hours learning new instructional techniques, planning inspiring lessons, talking with parents, and making her classroom a comfortable space for all of her students. She's able to teach and gracefully handle the many technology issues brought to her. Thank you for all you do for your Hiawatha, TAWLS , and WLS families MAM!" When your reputation is hard work and love for kids - you're doing everything right! Thank you Ms. M!

PARENT SHOUT: "I would like to give Brad Densmore a parent to staff shout out. My child is a freshman this year on an IEP. Since the start of school, Mr Densmore has gone above and beyond to keep me and her teaching team in contact and up to date. He has kept my daughter on track and is always encouraging her to be the best she can be. Last week during bad weather I found myself in a bind; I needed documents and had a deadline to get them. After exhausting all outlets, I reached out to Mr Densmore via email. He responded in record time, and although what I needed was out of his hands, he did not hesitate to spring into action. He contacted Jenny Wietryzkowski who was able to get the documents - and between the two, I had what I needed via email within minutes. This kind act just demonstrates how much WLS teachers and staff care about their students. I was able to make my deadline, even with bad weather and school closed. I'm so proud to have my child be a 3rd generation student in such a caring school district. Once a Panther always a Panther!!! WLSPROUD!" Wow. Words like these are such a great reminder of the power we have to help people feel supported. Way to go Mr. Densmore and Ms. Wietro! 

STAFF SHOUT: "Jessica Shoemaker is such a patient, helpful staff member at Shoreland! She tries to relate to students & ensures no student feels left out. She goes out of her way to share her giving, sweet heart with others." No bigger endorsement than being a kind human. 🥰

STAFF SHOUT: "Heather Parquette from Hiawatha is an inspiration to everyone around her. Her professionalism when conferencing with parents, meeting the needs of students, and contributing to school initiatives is beyond compare. She asks questions about your day and makes everyone feel important. Heather's sense of humor is the best and offers great comedy relief. Thank you for all that you do Heather- you're the best!" Laughter is SO important in this job and Ms. Parquette brings so much joy!

STAFF SHOUT: "I had a student in crisis come to me. I directed her to Becky Swisher and she had an action plan in place before the end of the day. Becky has shown this type of dedication time after time throughout her tenure at Whitmer. I just can't say enough about the positive impact that she has on our students and their families." Ms. Swisher is more than a district social worker. She is a life preserver for all and we are so grateful and lucky to have her!

Whitmer Seniors in Teaching Professions would LOVE your help in their Charity Event 'Buy a Bear, Build a Bear.' Taking place January 30th, 2024 during halftime at the Boys Varsity Basketball Game, the goal of this event is to collect bears to donate to Child Services for children in our community. We are asking spectators of the game to bring bears to throw when the time comes. There will also be bears available to buy for $5 (CASH ONLY). Bears may be dropped to the front desk of Whitmer too! COULD YOU BUY A BEAR TO GIVE TO A CHILD IN NEED?

Mr. Cranston (in Hiawatha Carline) is a PE Teacher with a dream...

STAFF SHOUT: "Liz Swiderski is such a go-with-the-flow staff member at Shoreland. She doesn't let stress phase her & is always willing to help students. She makes learning fun and teaches amazing writing lessons to her 2nd graders too!" Liz is a calm, steady BLESSING to WLS!

STAFF SHOUT: "Room 313 at Jefferson is AMAZING; the PATIENCE they have doesn't go unnoticed. They are always smiling and have great attitudes no matter what! We love Miss Purney, Miss Werner, Miss Parker, Miss Steele, Miss Gabby and Mr. Reamer so much!" You rock Room 313!

These fabulous Freshmen have achieved academic accolades right from Semester 1! Way to go!

Check out these Sophomores who made it to the Semester 1 Honor Roll!

Congratulations to all of our Juniors who have achieved academic success!

Congratulations to these Seniors for their incredible academic achievements!

WHS Girls Basketball is selling Sidelines cards - a SLAM DUNK of a deal! *3 free fowl balls, 3 free appetizers, 3 BOGO Pizzas AND 3 free kids meals = $20! Cards expire April 30th and anyone interested may request one at aclayton@wls4kids.org.

TAFF SHOUT: "I wanted to take a moment to shout out Whitmer Athletic Director, Sean Flemmings. I am not sure that most people know the number of hours that Sean pours into WLS athletics, attending so many events. Though I'm sure he is tired a lot, he is always so kind. We are lucky to have him." He's at so many things, we swear there must be TWO of him! Thank you, Sean Flemmings!

STAFF SHOUT: "Paul Britter is a one-of-a-kind Shoreland staff member who goes above and beyond to connect with students. He shines on spirit days and always keeps students (and staff!) laughing. He is always willing to jump in anywhere he may be needed and takes the time to really talk to students to build those much-needed connections." If you have ever seen this guy in action, you already know how wonderful he is! WLS IS SO GRATEFUL FOR THIS AWESOME INDIVIDUAL'S WORK!

STAFF SHOUT: "Mrs. Joseph is often a substitute at Meadowvale Elementary. She is dependable, comes in at the last minute to help us, and takes initiative to work with teachers in order to get their absences covered. Not only is she an awesome substitute, but as an officer of our Parents Club, she rocks! Last week she helped to make the vision of a Holiday Hangout for students come to life. She worked with other parents club members to ensure we had hot chocolate, cookie decorating, wish list making, craft making, and so much more for students to enjoy time with their classmates. She is dependable, creative, and motivated to ensure the students and staff have wonderful experiences. We are so grateful she is ours!" Our substitutes (and supportive parents!) are the BEST and we could not walk this path without them!

Rory and Soniyah, (CTC Teaching Professions Program at WHS) , are organizing a community school supply drive for a leadership/service project! A donation box will be located in all of the front/main offices of WLS buildings. The drive will end January 30th. Can you help?

Scarlet and Grey fans: Please feel free to disregard this message... Will our school hallways bleed maize and blue Monday?

STAFF SHOUT: "Mrs. Perry always goes above and beyond for our students and staff at Hiawatha. She is always creating fun crafts, making sure kids have a great day; she is the picture of patience and grace in the face of a very difficult job. So kind and caring, Tami Perry keeps our class going and is always willing to help whoever needs it. We appreciate her hard work and dedication to our students!" Giving kids great memories while making them feel safe and supported - the perfect equation for an outstanding educator. Thank you Ms. Perry!