The merging of Harry Russell and Harold Schnell Elementary Schools comes at an ideal time, as both schools were recently recognized for their outstanding achievements during the 2023–2024 school year. Under the strong leadership of Ms. Rebecca Yerman and Mr. Brad Thobe, students demonstrated remarkable academic growth in reading and math. These gains were driven by the successful implementation of the state’s Science of Reading initiative and a focused approach to the Ohio State Test Assessments. The unification of these high-performing schools paves the way for continued excellence and an even greater impact on student success.
West Carrollton Elementary School
Schools of Excellence: Time to Celebrate!
Promoting excellence in schools requires a shared commitment to high standards, continuous improvement, and student-centered practices. School leaders, educators, families, and communities must work together to create a culture where learning thrives and every student is challenged and supported. This involves fostering professional growth for teachers, using data to drive instruction, and ensuring equity in access to resources and opportunities. Celebrating successes, encouraging innovation, and addressing areas for growth are key to sustaining momentum. By prioritizing collaboration, high expectations, and a clear vision, schools can continue to grow and ensure all students reach their full potential.
Great books for the season!
A joyful picture book following the lifespan of a book as it comes across different readers — and creates a kind of magic along the way.
A new book is
fresh ink on crisp pages
never opened
the words inside
just waiting to be read.
An incredible journey begins for every person who turns the pages. Together, the book and reader make a special kind of magic — a magic that’s even sweeter when you share it! —Synopsis provided by Atheneum Books for Young Readers. If you love reading, then you’ll love The Story of a Book. It perfectly captures the magic that happens when the right reader meets the right book.
Not only does author Joy McCullough acknowledge that not all books are the same for all people but that there is power when you choose the book yourself. She recognizes that magic can be hard to understand and that accidents happen. And she does it with gentle, sparse text that is a delight to read aloud. Illustrator Devon Holzwarth takes McCullough’s words and runs with them. His artwork is full of color, movement, and imagination.
The Story of a Book is a lovely read that would make a good entry point for new bookworms who are just starting out on their own reading journeys.
Once upon a time, there was a girl. She went to a place alive with colors, where even the morning dew was warm.
Alice loves to imagine herself in the magical pages of her favorite book. So when it flaps its pages and invites her in, she is swept away to a world of wonder and adventure, riding camels in the desert, swimming under the sea with colorful fish, floating in outer space, and more! But when her imaginative journey comes to an end, she yearns for the place she loves best of all.
Paired with vibrant illustrations, this lyrical, expressive story invites the reader to savor each page and indulge in the power of imagination.
The Power and Importance of Reading
Governor and First Lady Visit Harold Schnell Elementary
Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine presented students and teachers at Harold Schnell Elementary School, as well as district leaders from West Carrollton City School District with a banner honoring the school’s selection as one of the inaugural awardees of the Governor’s Science of Reading Recognition Program.
Harry Russell Elementary has received the Overall 5-Star Building Award from the State of Ohio.
The Overall 5-Star Building Award is awarded to buildings that exceeded state of Ohio standards by earning an overall 5-stars on the Traditional Report Card for their performance across the 5-rated components:
Achievement Component
Progress Component
Gap Closing Component
Early Literacy Component
The fifth component is Graduation. That does not apply to elementary schools, but they still receive the 5-Star Building Award.
In the know....
What is the "Science of Reading?"
Based on decades of brain research and literacy development, the Science of Reading informs the most effective strategies for teaching students how to read. Governor DeWine has long supported the implementation of Science of Reading practices in all Ohio educational settings, including early childhood education, K-12 education, and higher education.
Every day, more schools are becoming fully aligned with the Science of Reading and the results are noticeable. This past year’s School Report Cards showed significant improvement in English Language Arts proficiency among elementary students, climbing by 2.2 percentage points among Ohio third graders, 5.2 percentage points among fourth graders, and 3.1 percentage points among fifth graders.
Science of Reading FAQs – Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
Get YOUR Dayton Metro Library Card!
There is no better way to encourage reading than to visit the public library! Ohio residents of ALL AGES can apply online for a FREE Dayton Metro Library Card. Here is what you gain instant access to with your card:
READ thousands of eBook, eAudiobook, and graphic novel titles from our digital collections!
WATCH hundreds of movies and television shows streamed to any device!
EXPLORE historical and current local, national, and international newspapers and magazines!
LEARN a new skill, language, or hobby from our variety of educational providers!
RESEARCH a diverse range of topics using our online databases and resources!
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.
Mr. Thobe
Monday, Wednesday, Friday @ Schnell
Tuesday and Thursday @ Russell
bthobe@wcsd.k12.oh.us
Dr. Dauterman
Monday, Wednesday, Friday @ Russell
Tuesday and Thursday @ Schnell
ldauterman@wcsd.k12.oh.us
Due to our move to a new building, the students at Harold Schnell and Harry Russell ONLY will end their school year on MAY 28th, so that staff members can begin the process of moving their materials over to the new building.
All other West Carrollton students will finish on May 29th.
To order the yearbook at Russell, visit: https://shop.memorybook.com/login and use school code 214549M
Yearbooks need to be ordered before 04/08/25 and cost $15.00 per copy
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!
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!
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.
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 28| Last Day of School -Schnell and Russell ONLY!
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:
Transportation
If you have concerns about transportation please click HERE and submit your concern.
Final Forms
If you haven’t completed your final forms registration please do so by clicking the LINK.
If your child is not able to attend school, please call the office as soon as possible at 937-859-5121, ext. 4
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
Brad Thobe bthobe@wcsd.k12.oh.us
Assistant Principal
LaShell Dauterman ldauterman@wcsd.k12.oh.us
TOSA
Erin Lynch elynch@wcsd.k12.oh.us