Music brings us all together!

Music is like magic—it can make us happy, excited, or even calm and peaceful. It tells stories without words, bringing colors and emotions to life through melodies and rhythms. Music can make us dance, help us relax, or even inspire us to dream big. It connects people worldwide, showing that we all understand its beauty no matter where we come from. Whether you sing, play an instrument, or listen, music is a wonderful gift that fills our hearts with joy and imagination. Keep exploring, and let music brighten your world!

March is "Music in Our Schools" month. Here are eight reasons why music is so important (thank you, Janine Corbett, for sharing your thoughts!)

1. Music is Physical Education - It requires the coordination of fingers, lips, and the control of the back and stomach.

2. Music is Language - Music is a universal language.

3. Music is History - Music has been present during every era of time

4. Music is History - Music has been present during every era of time.

5. Music is Art - Music allows us to create emotion.

6. Music is Life - That's why our hearts have beats.

7. Music is Science - Music is about acoustics and frequencies produced by voices and instruments.

8. Music is Reading - Reading music requires subsets of skills. These same skills help maintain literacy.

Great books for the season!

Half Note doesn’t feel whole. With two beats, she isn’t as big and beautiful as Whole Note, or as quick and upbeat as Quarter Note. She worries she’ll never measure up! So when the other members of the musical staff are at rest, she picks up like a fast tempo and leaves.

But Composer and the staff can’t play anything noteworthy without Half Note. Their only hope is to convince Half Note to change her tune and come back.

This hilarious, offbeat tale of sheet music in treble will strike a chord with anyone who’s felt out of sync, ringing with reassurance that everyone has a part to play when working as a team. At the coda, readers can develop their ear with a glossary of musical terms included.

Classical music comes to life like never before in this magical journey through 11 timeless compositions. Meet Allegro, an ordinary boy who can't stand practicing the piano. Those black dots on the page drive him crazy―until the music itself whisks him away on a breathtaking journey.

Each beautifully illustrated scene on Allegro's journey is accompanied by a famous classical theme that can be played with the press of a button. Hear Grieg's "Morning Mood" while meandering through a misty meadow, Dvorak's "New World Symphony" while exploring uncharted lands, Debussy's "Claire de Lune" while pondering a shimmering night sky, and 7 more! Beautiful gold foil, lavish illustrations, and high-quality sound make this a musical masterpiece to treasure forever.

"Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo"

PBIS Rewards

Students at Schnell got to cuddle with the goats!

Russell students enjoyed the magic show!

Read Across America Spirit Week @ Russell

Join us in the celebration of reading!!

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!

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

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

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!

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.

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!

Thursday, March 13| QPT Day-No school

Friday, March 14| All Buildings-No School

Monday, March 17| No school/No Preschool

Tuesday, March 18| 4th Quarter Begins

March 31-April 4| Spring Break

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.

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

West Carrollton ES