West Carrollton Schools

Harold Schnell Newsletter

January 31, 2025

Being Resilient

February is a time to recognize both Black History Month and American Heart Health Month, two important observances that celebrate resilience, awareness, and well-being.

Black History Month honors the achievements and contributions of Black individuals who have shaped history, culture, and progress. It’s a time to reflect on the past, uplift voices, and continue working toward a more inclusive and equitable future.

At the same time, American Heart Health Month reminds us of the importance of cardiovascular health. Heart disease remains a leading health challenge, particularly in Black communities, where awareness and prevention are crucial. By prioritizing heart health through education, healthy habits, and advocacy, we can help reduce risks and save lives.

This month, let’s celebrate the richness of Black history while also promoting wellness for all. Through knowledge, action, and unity, we can honor the past and build a healthier, stronger future together.

hands and heart

Great books for the season!

Ways to Make Sunshine

Written Renee Watson

sunshine

Ways to Make Sunshine

What do Judy Blume, Kate DiCamillo, Kevin Henkes, and Renée Watson have in common? They were all inspired by the late Beverly Cleary’s Ramona Quimby series, inspired to write about everyday kids having everyday problems in their everyday lives. They all write about their characters unabashedly, warts and all. But they also write with tender warmth and honesty. Just like Beverly Cleary.

And that is why you really want to meet Ryan Hart, the little girl at the heart of Ways to Make Sunshine. Ryan is full of spit and fire, and a drive to do right by everyone. Yet somehow in moving to a new neighborhood, and worrying about her father’s new job, and fretting about the fourth-grade talent show, well, little things can go awry.

Stella Díaz Has Something to Say

Written Angela Dominguez

stella

Stella Díaz Has Something to Say

“You know, Stella, someone can only make you feel bad if you let them. It’s just words.”

The school year is off to a rocky start for Stella, a third grader working hard to find her way. While she is smart and creative, her quiet nature draws the wrath of the class bully. Stella’s mother reminds her about sticks and stones…but those words really do hurt, and they make a naturally introverted girl feel uncertain and fearful.

To make matters worse, Stella’s best friend Jenny is in a different class. Jenny isn’t there for support and is finding her own new friends in her class, adding to Stella’s feeling of isolation and loneliness. When a new student joins the class, Stella hopes that he can be a new friend. But she gets tongue-tied and flustered whenever she is around him.

Stella finds solace learning about sea animals and in making art, providing for lots of fun activities for your students. Readers will find inspiration as Stella works hard in speech therapy to overcome her speech struggles. And they will find role models in Stella’s supportive teachers, great librarian, and loving family.

Things we should say more often!

In the know....

Do you need a winter coat for your child?

Through a generous donation from Domtar, who donated over 100 coats to our district, we have winter coats for our students who need them. Please stop by the office or reach out to Nicole Meyer ((937) 859-5121  x3780 or nmeyer@wcsd.k12.oh.us) to obtain a coat or to discuss other needs you may have! We strive to ensure that our students are supported and cared for both inside and outside the classroom!

coats

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 our school on Thursday, February 6th, 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.

OUTDOOR RECESS

Living in Ohio can sometimes limit our time outdoors, but fresh air is so beneficial for everyone. Your child will have the opportunity to go outside whenever the weather permits—specifically when it’s 32 degrees or above and there’s no precipitation. Please ensure they’re dressed appropriately for these conditions.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if your child needs a coat, hat, or gloves. Thanks to the generosity of our community members, we can help provide these essential items.

cold temperature

PBIS INCENTIVE FOR FEBRUARY

PBIS supports every student in our school. Monthly, we do incentive parties. Students are expected to Be SAFE, Be RESPONSIBLE, and 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!

The February incentive has not been announced yet...we can't wait to see what it will be!!

pj and pet
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

Tuesday and Wednesday, February 11-12|Donuts with your Lucky Charm

Friday, February 14| QPT Day-No school

Monday, February 17| President's Day-No 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