West Carrollton Elementary School

West Carrollton ES

March 1, 2025
DDS

Celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month:

A Message for Our School Community

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the unique strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities. At our school, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, understanding, and kindness, ensuring that every child feels valued and supported.

Children with developmental disabilities, such as Autism, Down syndrome, and other learning or cognitive differences, bring diverse perspectives and abilities that enrich our classrooms and community. This month provides an opportunity for families, educators, and students to learn more about the importance of acceptance, accessibility, and advocacy.

Throughout the month, we encourage families to engage in conversations with their children about empathy, friendship, and the importance of respecting differences. Simple acts—such as including a classmate in play, using kind words, or learning about different ways people communicate—can make a significant impact.

We also invite families to participate in school-wide activities that celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity. By working together, we can create a supportive environment where all children feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to reach their full potential.

Let’s celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by embracing our differences and building a stronger, more compassionate school community!

Great books for the season!

We Need Everyone

Everyone has a gift. Every gift is different, and every gift is special.

Our world needs you to share your gift.

What is your gift? How can you use your gift to help others?

We Need Everyone empowers children to identify their gifts and use them to overcome challenges, achieve goals, and strengthen communities. Inspiring and uplifting, this interactive picture book celebrates diverse cultures, perspectives, and abilities through playful illustrations. Perfect for reading aloud.

we move together

A bold and colorful exploration of all the ways that people navigate through the spaces around them and a celebration of the relationships we build along the way. We Move Together follows a mixed-ability group of kids as they creatively negotiate everyday barriers and find joy and connection in disability culture and community. A perfect tool for families, schools, and libraries to facilitate conversations about disability, accessibility, social justice and community building. Includes a kid-friendly glossary (for ages 3–10). This fully accessible ebook includes alt-text for image descriptions, a read aloud function, and a zoom-in function that allows readers to magnify the illustrations and be able to move around the page in zoom-in mode.

"Yes I Can!: A Girl and Her Wheelchair"

Fun times with our students!

We had a great time celebrating "Read Across America!"

student readers
Schnell students dressing like their favorite character!
student readers
Schnell students dressing like their favorite character!
seuss
The "Cat in the Hat" made a visit to Schnell!
Dogman
Schnell student dressing like their favorite character-Dogman!
pokemon
Schnell student dressing like their favorite character-Pokemon!
 thing 2
Schnell student and teacher dressing like their favorite character!
kid
It was a "Wacky Wednesday" for the 4th graders at Russell!
Wacky Wednesday
It was a "Wacky Wednesday" for the 4th graders at Russell!

In the know....

Sneak Peek ....construction of WCES!

Progress is being made each day on the new building and we are so excited! The major work is being done on the inside....flooring is being installed, cabinets and whiteboards are being added to the rooms, painting of the walls is coming together, and soon landscaping and paving will begin.

Stay tuned for more updates!

front desk
Front office area
sped class
Special Education Classroom
classroom
General Ed Classroom
library
Library
front entrance
Front Entrance
gym
Gym

Who do I contact if I have a question?

Our administrators are splitting their time between Schnell and Russell in preparation for the new elementary school for the 25-26 school year.

Thobe

Mr. Thobe

Monday, Wednesday, Friday @ Schnell

Tuesday and Thursday @ Russell

bthobe@wcsd.k12.oh.us

Dauterman

Dr. Dauterman

Monday, Wednesday, Friday @ Russell

Tuesday and Thursday @ Schnell

ldauterman@wcsd.k12.oh.us

school smiles

The School Smiles dentist is returning to Russell on Wednesday, March 26, for dental cleanings. If you missed the dentist’s first visit, there is still time to get your student signed up for our upcoming visit! Please visit https://schoolsmiles.com/student-signup/  to sign-up today!  

A new form must be completed each school year to remain in the program, but if you have already completed a 2024-25 school year form, you do not need to sign up again. School Smiles accepts Medicaid and private insurance and offers self-pay rates for those who may be uninsured.

Flu Season

health

Influenza Information for Schools

Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County is reporting that seasonal influenza activity for Montgomery County  and the state of Ohio is classified as Very High. 

Public Health has received numerous questions from school and daycare staff and would like to provide the  following guidance:  https://5il.co/37ryw

If your child is sent home from the nurse due to illness, especially if they have a fever, please keep them home as long as needed to help them get better. Their absence is considered excused!

BUS SAFETY

Please take a moment to remind your child about the importance of following bus safety rules. Safe behavior on the bus such as:

-staying seated

-using kind words

-keeping hands to themselves

-listening to the driver

which all helps ensure a safe and smooth ride for everyone. The bus driver’s instructions are for their safety, and following them is essential.

Unsafe behavior can cause distractions and put students at risk. If behavior is severe, the driver may return back to the school and ask for the parent to pick up the student.

Your support in reinforcing these rules at home makes a big difference. Thank you for helping us keep all students safe on their way to and from school!

bus

PBIS INCENTIVE FOR FEBRUARY

PBIS supports every student in our school. Monthly, we do incentive parties. Students are expected to:

Be SAFE

Be RESPONSIBLE

Be RESPECTFUL

everyday in the classroom, hallway, cafeteria, specials, and bus.

Points are given throughout the day that the students can use to participate in the monthly incentives. Our goal is to have EVERY student be a part of the reward!

This month, the students will enjoy "Popcorn and Movies!" ....it will be so much fun!

popcorn and movie
triple p

Triple P

Triple P is a FREE positive parenting support class for caregivers and families. Please click on the link below for the latest Triple P Newsletter. Parents can also sign up for free online classes that are self-paced and available for up to 1 year at: https://www.triplep-parenting.com/oh-en/triple-p/. If you are interested in looking for ways to improve your co-parenting situation click HERE.

dates

March 31-April 4| Spring Break

April 7| School Resumes

Apr 21| No School

May 1|Multicultural Fair and Art Showcase/2nd grade Music Performance 6:00-7:30

May 8|2nd Grade Musical Performance 6:00-7:30

May 26| No School -Memorial Day

May 29| Last Day of School

District Social Worker

Need Resources, want to submit a referral to talk with our District Social Worker, or want to check out programs in the school/community?

Check out our Family Resources Page by clicking the link below:

WCSD Resources Website (google.com)

Transportation

If you have concerns about transportation please click HERE and submit your concern.

bus

Final Forms

If you haven’t completed your final forms registration please do so by clicking the LINK.

final forms
telephone

If your child is not able to attend school, please call the office as soon as possible at 937-859-5121, ext. 4

menu

The daily lunch menu is available for you to review. By clicking on the item, you are able to check for allergens, ingredients, and more. Click on this link: lunch menu!

principal

Principal

Brad Thobe bthobe@wcsd.k12.oh.us

Assistant Principal

LaShell Dauterman ldauterman@wcsd.k12.oh.us

TOSA

Erin Lynch elynch@wcsd.k12.oh.us