Mrs. Lisa Courtney
Principal
513-947-7900
courtney_l@my.westcler.org
Mrs. Lisa Courtney
Principal
513-947-7900
courtney_l@my.westcler.org
District Vision: TOGETHER, as one community, we Learn. Lead. Succeed.
District Mission: At West Clermont, we will commit to excellence with every learner, every day, in every way.
District Core Values: Together We are, ON THE RISE. Relationships, Innovation, Student-Centered, Empowered
Building Guiding Light:
At Summerside, we will empower a community of hopeful, empathetic, resilient leaders who contribute to the future.
Mrs. Natalie Edwards
Assistant Principal
513-947-7900
edwards_n@my.westcler.org
Dear Summerside Families,
Promoting regular attendance at school is the responsibility of all of us, and begins with the messages you share with your students at home. Looking for ideas on how to have this important conversation? The following idea sheets can help you!
See below for our upcoming spirit week to celebrate staying in the game attendance along with a pledge you and your child can make to be in school every day that they are healthy and able! We have FC Cincinnati Stay in the Game T-Shirts and posters for students who turn in their Pledge Certificates for us to hang in the cafeteria. We have a limited supply so it get them in quick before we run out! Teachers have blank pledge certificates to complete as well if you don't have access to a printer. Simply complete the form online and you can either email the certificate to your child's teacher or simply send them an email to let them know you completed the pledge and we will fill one out for you to turn in and get the goods!
A reminder, we do not have school on Monday, September 23 as teachers will be working with student data collected in this first month of school to help guide our instructional model to meet your child's needs. We are committed to knowing every student's story, strengths, and needs so we can respond and support their ongoing growth every day in every way!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Courtney & Mrs. Edwards
P.S. Be sure to scroll all the way through every update each week. The District Updates include a Summerside video that highlights our facilities and includes new information about our current finances.
West Clermont is excited to announce our partnership with FC Cincinnati and the Stay In The Game! Network to increase awareness of the critical importance of school attendance to student learning and development. Through this partnership, the district aims to bring continual focus on students attending school, and to build enthusiasm through engaging activities and incentives for reaching goals.
To launch our work in this area, please join us in celebrating September as Attendance Awareness Month!
Over the coming month, you will begin to see evidence of our FC Cincinnati and Stay In The Game! partnership throughout the schools as we work together to share with our students the importance of being at school. Additionally, we invite all parents and guardians to speak with your students about the importance of regular school attendance, and to take the pledge demonstrating a commitment to this goal. Students can then complete a pledge certificate to bring back to school to share their pride! Finally, later in the month, be on the lookout for other communications celebrating our collective effort to support our students’ success.
More information regarding the Stay In The Game! Network can be found at https://stayinthegame.org/
Leader in Me in Actin - Synergizing!
2024 Student Safety & Wellness Survey
October is School Safety Month in Ohio, and West Clermont will be administering an anonymous and optional school safety survey to 5th through 12th graders in our district the week of October 7th. The goal of this survey is to capture student perspectives on school safety and wellness. The results of this survey will be shared with the Board of Education, staff, and parents/guardians of WC students.
If you would like to review the survey questions, email info@westcler.org. If you would like to opt your student out of the survey, complete this form.
We hope you can encourage your child to participate in this survey. Their voices matter.
Dear Summerside Families,
On 9/19/24-9/24/24 our students will participate in child abuse workshops facilitated by trained staff from the Council on Child Abuse of Southern Ohio (COCA). COCA provides workshops to over 20,000 children per year in various school districts and settings including Cincinnati Public Schools, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Northwest School District, Norwood City Schools, Forest Hills Schools, Oak Hills Schools, charter schools, and many others.
Ohio’s 134th General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 288 which updated the prescribed curriculum for health education, adding requirements related to child sexual abuse prevention, dating violence prevention and sexual violence prevention. The law includes requirements for student instruction, parent and legal guardian notification and training for school personnel. Additional information regarding this law can be found here.
COCA staff specialize in delivering age-appropriate presentations on the topics of preventing child abuse, bullying, and dating violence. Each presentation is modified to best suit your child’s grade and level of understanding and includes relevant activities and videos to help facilitate interactive learning and discussion.
Younger students (grades K-2) will learn the difference between safe and unsafe touches. Older students (grades 3-8) will learn to recognize the types of child abuse (Physical, Verbal, Sexual, Emotional, and Neglect). All students will learn the importance of telling a trusted adult if child abuse is suspected.
All students will be able to speak with one of our trained staff following the classroom presentation. This is a time for them to ask questions or express concerns in a one-on-one conversation. This portion of the program is optional.
Please take the time to talk to your child about the program and discuss any questions or comments s/he might have about the subject. Add your personal thoughts and rules, too.
If you have questions or concerns about the content of COCA’s presentations, please visit the FAQ page of their website at www.cocachild.org.
All students will participate in this program unless they have a written note indicating that you do NOT give permission. To opt out, please complete this form, or contact the school for assistance Mrs. Karen Fields, fields_k@my.westcler.org.
Sincerely,
Lisa Courtney
Principal
Health Source Mobile Vision Services are at Summerside this week, 9/24 - 27.
YES! I would like HealthSource of Ohio to send me the permission form for School-Based healthcare for my student.
9/23 Professional Day - No School
9/23 WC BOE Meeting, Union Township, 7:00 pm
9/23 PTO Dine to Donate, Chuck E Cheese
9/24 - 27 HealthSource Mobile Vision Team
9/30 SummerStride Fundraiser ends
10/2 PTO Meeting, 6PM
10/4 WC Homecoming Parade
10/10 Parent-Teacher Conferences, 5:00-8:30pm
10/11 Professional Day- No School
10/14 Fall Break-No School
President- Dana Montgomery
Vice President - Betsy Brown and Sadie Williams
Secretary - Katie Brown and Amy Haskell
Treasurer - Rebecca Curtis
PTO Email Address, summersidepto@gmail.com
All meetings are scheduled from 6:00-7:00 pm in the Summerside Library
Wednesday, October 2
Wednesday, November 6
Wednesday, December 4
Wednesday, January 8
Wednesday, February 5
Wednesday, March 5
Wednesday, April 9
Wednesday, May 7
If you have any questions about Summerstride, feel free to email the PTO at summersidepto@gmail.com
Our Core Values: Together We are, ON THE RISE. R-Relationship, I-Innovation, S-Student Centered, E-Empowerment
We are creating a courageous culture by focusing on our mission of committing to excellence with every learner, every day, every way. We strive to have a safe, caring, positive learning environment where all students have a sense of belonging.
Dear Parents and Community Members,
I hope this message finds you well. We are off to a great start of the school year so far! As we continue our journey toward enhancing our school district, I am reaching out to emphasize the importance of your participation in our newly launched School Facilities Survey. I urge you to take a few moments to complete the survey HERE or scan the QR code.
Over the past several years, we have made it a priority to listen to your feedback and incorporate your insights into our decision-making processes. The establishment of the Community Advisory Team was a significant step in ensuring that our planning reflects the wants and needs of our community. This group has worked diligently to provide recommendations that will guide our future, and we continue to incorporate your voice into our future planning.
This latest survey is a critical opportunity for you to convey your thoughts regarding our school facilities, especially as we approach a pivotal time for our district. Key decisions are on the horizon, and it is vital that these decisions reflect what you envision for our schools. Your feedback will help us understand the challenges we face and prioritize improvements that matter most to you and your children.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement in this important process. Your participation truly makes a difference!
Warm regards,
Natasha Adams
Superintendent, West Clermont School District
Master Facilities Recommendations
Dear West Clermont families and staff,
The West Clermont Board of Education unanimously approved the next steps with the Master Facilities Plan on Monday night. The resolution accepts the community advisory team’s recommendations and tasks the administration to further study, review, and analyze the following proposal:
● Removing 5th grade from elementary schools and merging it with 6th grade to form a new intermediate school.
● Building this intermediate school next to a new 7th and 8th grade building on the current campus. While these buildings will be connected for efficiency, they will function as separate schools.
● Constructing two new elementary schools one for Holly Hill and one for Merwin plus implementing a plan for preschool.
I’m thankful to the Community Advisory Team who put in months of work to address aging facilities, overcrowded schools, and inequitable facilities across the district. The district leadership team will continue analyzing, studying, and refining the recommendations to determine the educational, operational, and financial impact to our district and the best path forward. The board’s vote is the first step in a lengthy process. I will be presenting more findings and discussing next steps at the October 15, 2024, board of education meeting.
In the meantime here are helpful links to learn more about the proposal, facilities, and resolution:
Master Facilities Plan Report (1).pdf
The district is also hosting a series of upcoming Town Halls and building tours that I would encourage you to attend. This is your chance to tour schools, ask questions, and engage with district leaders.
Please RSVP if you wish to attend.
Thank you,
Natasha Adams, Superintendent
The West Clermont School District has released two more videos in our Understanding School Finances video series. In part 5 we provide more in depth information on how our district spends money each school year. The core of our business as a school district is in the classroom experience, and that's where the vast majority of our funds are allocated. Dan Romano breaks down in detail how that money is allocated to students, classrooms, and excellent staff. In part 6 we walk through the district's commitment to stretching every dollar we spend. We are always working to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and that means always looking for ways to spend money more efficiently while also ensuring our kids have the educational experience they need and deserve.
We've also been re-releasing our Facilities Videos. This week we looked at Merwin Elementary and Summerside Elementary. Merwin Elementary was built in 1966 while Summerside is one of our newer buildings, having been constructed in 2019.
Want to learn more? Join us at one of our upcoming building tours (westcler.org/tours) or browse the artifacts from our recent 'Focus on Facilities' Town Hall (westcler.org/townhalls). You can also see the videos from all of the other West Clermont school buildings at westcler.org/facilities.
As we round out the first month of back to school we want to take a minute to remind all parents, students, and staff about our safety and threat protocols.
The West Clermont School District takes the safety of our students and staff very seriously. It is essential that we all play a role in ensuring our schools remain safe and positive places for learning. So if you see something, say something!
Safer Ohio School Tip Line:
Call 844-723-3764 to anonymously report information to school officials and law enforcement about threats to student safety. The tip line can be used for:
• Bullying and cyberbullying incidents
• Self-harm or suicidal behaviors
• Verbal or written threats observed toward students, staff or the school itself
• Weapons/suspicious devices on or near school grounds
• Gang-related activity
• Illegal drug use
District Tip Line:
You can also anonymously report concerns to the West Clermont school district using the
district’s online “Harassment, Intimidation, Hazing, and Bullying Report”.
Security Tactics in Place:
• All schools conduct fire, safety and shelter-in place drills throughout the school year.
• Video cameras are used to monitor activity at all schools.
• All visitors must sign in and wear a visitor badge while on school property.
• All volunteers must pass a criminal background check.
• The middle and high schools have School Resource Officers.
• Staff members at all schools are CPR certified.
• ALICE Training®, an active shooter response training, is reviewed at every school annually.
• Safety Teams at each building meet quarterly.
You can read the district’s safety guide below:
https://www.westcler.org/our-student-experience/student-services/safety-guide
We are grateful for partnerships with our local police departments, parents, and community
members. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to keep our students and
schools safe!
October 9, 2024 - Merwin Elementary
Building tour begins at 5:15 p.m.
Town Hall starts at 6:00 p.m.
November 14, 2024 - West Clermont Middle School
Building tour begins at 5:15 p.m.
Town Hall starts at 6:00 p.m.
Your input is invaluable to us in everything we do. Please use this RSVP LINK to sign up to attend our Town Halls. We look forward to seeing you there!
Clermont County Family & Children First Council is pleased to announce a family health and wellness event on October 5th. Please see this flier for more information. Resources will be shared, including free food through IPM Food Pantry.
Dear Parents,
We are excited to announce our upcoming Winter Wonderland Extravaganza! This special event will be held on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Amelia Elementary School.
Here’s what you and your family can look forward to:
•Holiday Gift Shopping: Parents will have the opportunity to shop for holiday gifts, and kids may also get a chance to shop for their parents.
• Photos with Santa: Capture the holiday spirit with a special photo with Santa!
• Craft Activities: Fun craft stations will be available for kids to enjoy.
• Supplemental Food and Hygiene Items: We will be offering supplemental food for winter break, as well as hygiene items.
Please dress warm as there may be activities outside.
To ensure we can accommodate everyone, please register by October 4th, 2024. After this date, the registration will be turned off.
We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you and your family at this magical event!
Warm regards,
Hope Gill
Support can be obtained through your school's School Psychologist, School Counselor, or School Nurse, or by calling Necco (513-252-0248), the Clermont County Mobile Crisis Team (513-528-7283), CCHMC Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC) (513-636-4124), or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988).
As the new year begins, we wanted give you more information about a groundbreaking development in West Clermont’s commitment in addressing the growing mental-health crisis.
The district is renewing and expanding partnerships with mental health agencies to ensure that any student with need has access to comprehensive services starting as early as preschool and continuing through 12th grade without any additional cost to the district. Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, these new partners will provide the following services to any student in need, with parent / guardian permission.
● As you are aware, Child Focus has been a valued partner of the district in this important work for many years. Child Focus will provide prevention (drug/alcohol/tobacco and suicidal ideation) and crisis services, and will continue to be the district’s community service provider for families not choosing to have the school-based services described
below.
● Necco will serve students preschool through 8th grade. Every elementary school will be staffed with at least one full-time, licensed therapist and two case managers. West Clermont Middle School will have 2 therapists and four case managers.
● Best Point will serve students at West Clermont High School, including two therapists and a care coordinator.
● Therapists will provide assessment, individual and group counseling, and crisis intervention. They additionally will assist in completing assessments / referrals for students needing medication management and/or wraparound services.
● Case managers and care coordinators will provide skills building in the classroom, parent / guardian skills building, coordination of treatment in collaboration with therapists.
Referral Links are below:
· Amelia Elementary - Necco Referral
· Clough Pike Elementary - Necco Referral
· Holly Hill Elementary - Necco Referral
· Merwin Elementary - Necco Referral
· Summerside Elementary - Necco Referral
· Willowville Elementary - Necco Referral
· Withamsville-Tobasco Elementary - Necco Referral
· West Clermont Middle School - Necco Referral
· West Clermont High School - Best Point Referral
Students previously served by Child Focus at school will be offered the option of continuing with the agency as a community-based provider, or enrolling with Necco or Best Point. Follow-up will be occurring to successfully transition those students to the new providers. Questions can be directed to Eric J. Dool, Director of Student Services (dool_e@my.westcler.org).
Looking to try something new? Meet new friends? Join Learn to Dive! Learn to Dive is an opportunity for elementary and middle school aged children (grades 5 - 8) to learn the fundamentals of competitive springboard diving. Participating in diving can give student-athletes the opportunity to improve flexibility, coordination, muscle tone, posture, conquer fear, and build lasting friendships. New divers of all ages and ability levels are welcome. All participants must be able to comfortably swim in deep water. A swim suit and t-shirt will be provided for all participants. Want to know more about Coach Lisa Werwinski? Feel free to read her coaching bio.
Attention 3 - 6 Graders
West Clermont Board of Education
Ryan Patton, President
Jim Rudy, Vice President
Tina Sanborn
Michael Chumley
Tammy Spencer