West Carrollton Elementary School

West Carrollton ES

MAY 4, 2025
teacher

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

This is a special time to celebrate the incredible dedication, passion, and impact teachers bring to our schools and communities daily. Your tireless efforts to educate, support, and inspire students do not go unnoticed. Your role is essential and deeply appreciated, whether you're sparking curiosity, building confidence, or offering a steady hand during challenging times. You create safe spaces for learning, encourage students to dream big, and help shape a brighter future. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and for being the heart of education. You truly make a difference!

This week, we also honor the incredible education staff working behind the scenes and alongside teachers to support student success. From paraprofessionals and office staff to custodians, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, aides, and specialists, you each play a vital role in creating a safe, welcoming, and practical learning environment. Your dedication, patience, and care ensure our students are nurtured, supported, and set up for daily success. Thank you for all you do to make our schools run smoothly and for the countless ways you positively impact the lives of children.

We appreciate you!

Great books for the season!

Teacher

What do your favorite teachers mean to you? A compass that points the way, an umbrella in a windy storm, an encyclopedia of knowledge—a teacher can be all these things and more.

This sweet picture book beautifully illustrates all the different things our teachers have taught us, the care they have given us, and how they’ve inspired us. A teacher is the greatest gift of all, and this book is a lovely way to express your thanks.

Dear Teacher

From the #1 New York Times bestselling team behind Dear Girl, and Dear Boy, comes a heartfelt thank-you letter written to educators, coaches, leaders, role models, mentors, and heroes everywhere! A perfect gift for back to school, National Teachers' Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, and the last day of school.

Filled with gratitude, Dear Teacher, thanks all the people that empower and inspire little ones to be themselves and overcome all of life’s obstacles.

With the same tenderness as Dear Girl, and Dear Boy, Paris’s charming text and Holly Hatam’s stunning illustrations come together beautifully to express well-deserved appreciation for teachers of all kinds.

Perfect for fans of the teacher appreciation classic Because I Had a Teacher who are looking for a new gift to give.

"If I Were the Teacher"

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!

In the know....

Final Farewells

Open House: Harold Schnell and Harry Russell ES

Harold Schnell Elementary and Harry Russell Elementary will close their doors at the end of this school year. When the 2025-26 school year begins, students in grades 2 through 4 will attend the new West Carrollton Elementary School.

Both schools will hold Open Houses for the community to visit and reminisce. The Open House for Harold Schnell will be May 6 from 5:30 to 7:30, and the Open House for Harry Russell will be May 13 from 5:30 to 7:30.

Schnell
Russell
field day

Hard to believe we are nearing the end of the school year and getting ready for Field Day at Schnell and Russell! It is such a fun time for the kids (and teachers)!! With so much to do this year between the two buildings, we could use some help from parents. Please consider volunteering your time if you can. Check out our sign up list to see where the help is needed!

May 27th, Schnell Parent Volunteer List: Full Day or Half Day slots available

May 21st, Russell Parent Volunteer List: Full Day or Half Day slots available

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

last day

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.

Fun Day

We look forward to celebrating Fun Day at SCHNELL with our students, which will be held on the last day of school. We could use some volunteers to help us throughout the day. If you are interested and available, sign up via this link: https://bit.ly/4jeTIch

We still need a few more parents to sign up for some slots!!

multicultural fair

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 APRIL

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

Be SAFE

Be RESPONSIBLE

Be RESPECTFUL

every day 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 participate in the reward!

We are at the start of a new month and coming back from a break, so please remind your young pirates about Schnell and Russell's expectations!

kid pirates
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

May 8|Multicultural Fair and Art Showcase/2nd grade Music 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:

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 (Russell) and ext. 5 (Schnell)

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