Reminder: Kindergarten Roundup is right around the corner for SAES!
The first Kindergarten Roundup session will be this Monday, May 5th, at Sheffield Area Elementary School from 2:00-6:00 PM.
Each elementary school will host a Kindergarten Roundup session so interested parents can meet with various people to learn more about kindergarten and complete helpful screenings. Please see the flyer below or the Registration tab on the district webpage: https://www.wcsdpa.org/o/wcsd/page/registration for more information and the schedule of sessions at EES, YES, and WAEC
If you know someone else with a child ready for kindergarten, please share the information with them.
Navigating Social Media and Gaming Apps Safely
Age recommendations alone are insufficient to ensure your child has a positive experience with social media apps and online games.
Following our ABC model (safe Access, clear Boundaries, and open Communication) will help keep your child safe online.
https://wcsdpa.onlinesafetyhub.io/parent/articles/navigating-social-media-and-gaming-apps-safely
I am honored to nominate Cali Chapman as a C.L.A.S.S. Act Emerging Leader. Throughout high school, Cali has demonstrated exceptional leadership, responsibility, and dedication to both her school and community. Her contributions as a student leader, volunteer, athlete, and academic achiever make her a deserving candidate for this recognition.
As the Class of 2025 President for three consecutive years, Cali has shown dedication and leadership. She also served in Student Council, progressing from Secretary to Vice President, and has been an active member of Key Club throughout high school. These roles require perseverance and a strong work ethic, which she has consistently displayed. Her academic commitment is also evident through her taking six dual enrollment courses at Pitt Bradford, balancing rigorous coursework with extracurricular activities.
Cali was named 2023 Warren County Fair Queen Runner-Up, reflecting her integrity and ability to serve as a role model. Through Key Club, Cali has contributed to numerous service projects, always looking for ways to give back. Her volunteerism extends to local organizations as well, where she coaches a mini hip-hop team at her cheer gym and volunteering as a Junior Auxiliary at the Sugar Grove Fire Department. She has mentored elementary students, demonstrating patience, responsibility, and a passion for helping others succeed. In addition to her leadership and volunteer work, Cali maintains employment while balancing a rigorous academic and extracurricular schedule.
Cali exemplifies respect toward teammates and coaches, fostering positive relationships. Her involvement in athletics, including high school cheerleading from 7th through 12th grade and varsity softball since 9th grade, highlights her ability to work as part of a team, while her leadership sets a good example for younger teammates. Outside of school, Cali is an integral part of the Extreme Athletix competitive cheer and dance team.
Cali has been accepted to the University of Pittsburgh Main Campus. This further demonstrates that she is not only recognized on a school / community level but that this prestigious university recognizes and wants her to bring these characteristics with her to contribute to their campus going forward.
Due to pending Severe Weather all after school activities have been cancelled for today, 4/29/2025.
Weekly Math Fun: Weather Graphing Fun! ☀️📊
This week, turn weather observations into a hands-on graphing activity! Tracking the weather helps kids build skills in data collection, pattern recognition, and statistics while making learning fun and relevant.
Math Connections:
🌦 Data Organization – Creating a chart reinforces how to categorize and track information over time.
📉 Graphing Skills – Recording daily weather builds an understanding of bar graphs, line plots, or pictographs.
🔎 Pattern Recognition – Discussing trends in the data helps develop critical thinking.
💡 Prediction & Probability – Kids can use their observations to make predictions about upcoming weather patterns.
Try extending the activity by comparing temperatures, tracking wind speeds, or exploring seasonal weather trends. Stay tuned for next week's activity, where we'll bring more math into real-world experiences! 🌎📏✨
Kindergarten Roundup
Each elementary school will host a Kindergarten Roundup session so interested parents can meet with various people to learn more about kindergarten and complete helpful screenings. Please see the flyer below for more information or the Registration tab on the district webpage: https://www.wcsdpa.org/o/wcsd/page/registration.
🎉 Testing Tip #7: Celebrate Effort
Celebrate your child’s effort with positive reinforcement.
After each testing day, celebrate your child’s hard work! You don’t need big rewards—a favorite snack, a game night, or a hand-written note can go a long way. Reinforcing effort helps kids stay motivated and feel proud of their progress, no matter the outcome. 🎉🍪👏
👏🎉 Your encouragement makes a big difference!
Sign-ups for the 21st Century summer SPARK program are now open. Transportation will be provided!!! Please use the QR Code located on the attached flyer or access the sign-up link via the Warren County School District 21st Century page. Any student entering grades 6- 8 in the fall of 2025 is eligible. A separate post shows the details for grades K-5.
https://www.wcsdpa.org/o/wcsd/page/nita-m-lowey-21st-century-community-learning-centers
The 21st Century Elementary program is BACK and so is transportation!!! Sign-ups for summer are now open using the QR Code on the attached flyer or access the sign-up link via the Warren County School District 21st Century page. Any student entering grades K - 5 in the fall of 2025 is eligible. A separate post will be made for students in grades 6-8.
https://www.wcsdpa.org/o/wcsd/page/nita-m-lowey-21st-century-community-learning-centers
📵 Testing Tip #6: Limit Nighttime Screens
Try to limit screen time the night before a test to help your child wind down and fall asleep more easily.
Blue light affects sleep quality and screen time can overstimulate the brain.
Turn off TVs, tablets, and phones at least 30–60 minutes before bed.
Encourage quiet activities like drawing, puzzles, journaling, or reading to help your child wind down.📱🚫💤
Weekly Math Fun: DIY Flashcards for Practice & Play! 🧠✨
This week, make math more interactive with DIY math flashcards! These simple, customizable cards are a powerful tool for building fluency, confidence, and speed with key math facts.
Ideas to Boost the Fun:
🃏 Switch It Up – Use flashcards for more than just math facts! Try them for fractions, decimals, or even word problems.
⏱ Game Mode – Set a timer and see how many cards your child can solve in a minute. Try to beat their high score each day!
🎲 Math War – Flip two cards and see who gets the higher value—or who solves it faster!
💬 Explain It – After answering, ask your child to explain how they solved the problem to deepen understanding.
Flashcards are a quick and easy way to fit meaningful math practice into busy days—and they can be tailored to any skill level.
Stay tuned for next week's post, where we’ll explore another creative way to support math learning at home! 🔢🏠
💬 Testing Tip #5: Encourage, Don’t Pressure
A simple “You’ve got this!” can go a long way. Reassure your child that effort matters more than perfection. 💪💬
Say things like “I’m proud of your hard work” or “Just do your best.” Avoid placing too much importance on the score. Emphasize effort, persistence, and progress over perfection.
🕰️ Testing Tip #4: Arrive on Time
Punctuality helps students start the day grounded and prepared.
Being late can create stress or cause your child to miss important directions. Try leaving 10 minutes earlier than usual during testing weeks to give yourself a buffer for unexpected delays.⏰🚸
📅 Testing Tip #3: Keep Routines Calm
A smooth morning can set the tone for the whole day.
Lay out clothes, pack bags, and prep lunch or snacks the night before. Keep the atmosphere calm—turn on music, give extra time for getting ready, and keep things positive. Avoid conflict or rushing, which can raise anxiety levels.
🌞🧘 Less chaos = more confidence.
🥣 State Testing Tip #2: Fuel Up!
A healthy breakfast = a strong start.
All WCSD students can receive a free breakfast. Encourage your child to eat breakfast each morning to help them stay full and focused during testing. 🥚🍎🥣
Why: Whole grains, fruit, and protein help kids stay focused during long testing sessions.
🥚🍌🥣 A well-fed brain is a powerful one!
The Envirothon Competition was held at Chapman State Park on Tuesday, April 15. All county schools were represented. JV and Varsity teams rotated through 5 stations answering questions about soils, wildlife, forestry, aquatics, and current issues. The Warren County Conservation District organized training and the competition with assistance from DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources), NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service), PA Fish and Boat Commission, and the PA Game Commission. We would like to thank all organizations, including Chapman State Park, for their continued positive support of students.
1st place JV: EMHS The Primary Marsupial: Shawnee Alcorn, Madison Rutkowski, Fiona Cook, Alianna Eckstrom
2nd place JV: YMHS Silly Squirrels: YMHS Silly Squirrels: Sophia Scott, Allison Hackman, student, Mackenzie Hodak
2nd place Varsity: YMHS Scat Scarfers: Michael Carnahan, Kale Jespersen, Tydus Chase, Carsyn Branstrom
3rd place Varsity: WAHS Warren Woodcocks: Jacob Retterer, Zane Carlson, Lucille Harrison, Alivia Hallas, Christopher Orth
3rd place JV: YMHS Sunny Sunflowers: Ava Young, Adelyn McDonald, Ashlyn Zimmerman, Kaden Moore
4th place Varsity: YMHS Purple Platypi: Paige Stover, Gabby Hodak, Caitlyn Pikna, Riley Lauger
4th place JV: YMHS Sassy Sasquatches: Jacob Battko, Collin Havers, Wyatt Walters, Johnathan Sullivan, Mikah Benton
Best in Forestry: WAHS Warren Woodcocks: Jacob Retterer, Zane Carlson, Lucille Harrison, Alivia Hallas, Christopher Orth
📚 State Testing Tip #1: Rest is Best!
Encourage a full night of sleep—ideally 8–10 hours—for at least a week before testing.
A well-rested brain is more focused, less anxious, and better able to retain information. Start winding down earlier in the evenings by limiting screens, using calming routines like reading or quiet music, and keeping bedtimes consistent—even on weekends.
Why: A steady sleep schedule helps your child feel alert and ready to learn—not just on test day, but every day!
Just a reminder: There is No School for students on Thursday, April 17th - Monday, April 21st.
🎯 Getting Ready for State Testing: How You Can Help!
Over the next week, we’ll be sharing quick tips to help your child feel confident, focused, and ready for state assessments. These small, simple habits—like a good night’s sleep or a healthy breakfast—can make a big difference!
Each post will include a practical tip you can use at home to support your child before, during, and after testing days.
Let’s work together to make this a positive experience for all students! 💪📚
Weekly Math Fun: Backyard Geometry Adventure! 🌿📏
When the weather warms up, take learning outdoors with a Backyard Geometry Adventure! Exploring math in nature helps children see how shapes, measurements, and patterns exist all around them.
Math in Nature:
🔹 Shapes & Patterns – Recognizing geometric shapes in leaves, flowers, and tree rings helps kids develop spatial awareness.
📏 Measurement & Comparison – Using rulers or measuring tapes strengthens real-world math skills like estimating length and height.
📐 Perimeter & Area – Measuring outdoor spaces makes abstract concepts more concrete and hands-on.
🔺 Angles & Symmetry – Observing angles in tree branches, spider webs, or fences builds geometry understanding in a fun way.
This activity connects math and science, sparking curiosity while reinforcing key math skills.
Stay tuned for more creative ways to bring math into everyday experiences! 🌞📊
