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!
STAFF SHOUT :
"HUGE shout out to Deb Champagne, the person responsible for all the shenanigans "Knighty" does while our "little knights" are away at Greenwood . She created so much fun!"
Kids who love coming to school are kids who learn while they are there! Way to go, Ms. C!
PARENT SHOUT:
"I just want to express my appreciation and gratitude for Ms. Tebbe and all of the Meadowvale staff! My son had surgery to have his tonsils and adenoids removed on Monday Dec. 9th. The Santa shop is one of his favorite things to do at school during the holiday season. Mrs. Mee and other office staff along with Ms. Tebbe made arrangements and allowed me to bring him in for a short time to shop. That made him so happy and gave him something to look forward to during recovery. He has had an extensive and rough recovery and also had a hospital admission in the last week and a half and Ms. Tebbe has been so kind to reach out and check on him multiple times. Also upon sending him to school for his first day back she updated me that she checked on him at lunchtime and also sent me a picture of him playing with other classmates. My mom heart was so anxious and worried about how he was doing all day and Ms. Tebbe went above and beyond to make sure he and I were cared for! I am so thankful that my kids go to Meadowvale and are surrounded by so many people that are such great examples of love and care. Thanks for all you do for the school and students!"
Parents never forget the people who took care of their child - and oftentimes the whole family- in the process. This makes us so proud!
Why do we have Open Enrollment? What is happening at Tamaron? Do kids have enough time to eat their lunches? Could there be a big announcement coming soon about Snake Dance?
Tune in for this episode where Superintendent Kristie Martin answers community questions!
PARENT SHOUT:
"I wanted to share how wonderful Dave Hamen and Taylor Wietrzykowski are - and how much they have helped my son during winter break. The long breaks are stressful for him and he craves the routine of going to school. Being aware of my son’s difficulties, without hesitation, these two volunteered to work with him on his IEP goals DURING THEIR BREAK. Their willingness to provide the support that he needed has made a big difference for him. I am very grateful for the love, dedication and kindness these two consistently provide. They both are amazing and an irreplaceable asset to Washington Local!"
She said it, and we agree. What selfless, caring individuals!
STAFF SHOUT:
"Carrie Frey is an awesome addition to the Meadowvale staff! As the STEM teacher she has been finding new and innovative ways for learning to come to life for her students. In the last month alone, she has organized two school-wide activities, the cereal domino and Hour of Code. Her mind is constantly racing with ideas and students are excited to go to her class and see what she has planned next. She has also brought joy for the staff in the building as she has encouraged us to have fun at work and connect with our colleagues. We are so grateful to have her at Meadowvale!"
Ms. Frey's love for learning translates straight to her students; she is incredible!
PARENT SHOUT:
"Hello! I would like to give a huge shout out to Courtney Sifuentes, the secretary at Washington Junior High. My daughter attended there when her health issues began to surface, eventually leading to her (now a sophomore) needing to go virtual to tend to her medical needs and meet school standards. At the time of their interaction, Courtney ran the learning lab - a place my daughter ended up spending a lot of time. As time has passed, Mrs. Sifuentes continues to reach out, cheer her on, and make a big deal about seeing her in and out of school settings. Mrs Sifuentes is a master at seeing kids for who they are, not just an attendance checkmark or school ID. She makes an impact with all the kids, and I am grateful for the one she's had on my daughter - making her feel seen and valued when she was struggling to meet traditional school markers that would give the same result."
Ms. Sifuentes makes EVERYONE feel seen and Washington Junior High (and WLS!) is better for having her!
Lilly (Kid Mayor from Meadowvale) & Asher(Kid Council, Shoreland) were guests on the Mayor's podcast! They spoke about their experience and things they have learned. Tune in and check it out!
https://toledo.oh.gov/government/mayor/podcast
