Falls-Lenox Primary School Newsletter
January 9th
Embedded Files
Dear Falls-Lenox Families,
Happy New Year! I hope that everyone had a wonderful winter break. It has been great to see the students back this week and hear about their winter break, as well as their goals for the second half of the school year. As we move into January, our new word of the month is "Compassion". In conjunction with Disability Awareness Week and Martin Luther King Day, students learn how showing kindness and compassion makes the world a better place.
Over the next couple weeks, teachers will be completing winter reading assessments with each student. Assessments include the Reading and Math MAP Tests, DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment), and for first grade, the AIMS Web assessment, which assesses reading fluency. These assessments provide our teachers with valuable information on the achievement and growth of each student. We use this information to provide targeted, small group intervention and informed classroom instruction. Results of these assessments will be sent home to families once they are completed.
The week of January 20th will be the annual “Celebrating Differences/Disability Awareness Week”. In addition to building-wide activities, we will have the Cleveland Wheelchair Cavs Assembly on Friday, January 23rd! The Wheelchair Cavaliers visit local schools and hospitals to talk about overcoming disabilities and feeling empowered.
Celebrating Differences Week is coming up January 20-23rd!
Tuesday January 20 - Promote Kindness & Respect-Team Up and Say Hello
Wear a shirt with a positive message on it OR wear your favorite sports gear!
Wednesday January 21 - Highlight our Differences - Neon Day
Highlight differences and shine bright with kindness by wearing your brightest colors!
Thursday January 22 - Neurodiversity Awareness/ Superhero Day
Wear Tie-Dye to represent your uniqueness & individuality OR dress in your favorite superhero gear!!!
Friday January 23 - One Team One Goal - Bulldog Day!
Be a part of our supportive & kind OF community by wearing your best Bulldog gear!
Sincerely,
Ms. Lisa M. Williams
Falls-Lenox Principal
Upcoming Important Dates
January
January 13th Candid Picture Day
January 16th No School for Students ~ Staff Professional Learning Day
January 19th No School for Staff and Students - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Week of January 20th Celebrating Differences Week
January 23rd Wheelchair Cavs Assemblies
January 28th FLECC PTA Meeting @ ECC ~ 6:30 p.m.
February
February 3rd 3rd grade Music Concert at the High School (see letter below for specific times of classes)
February 12th Classroom Valentine's Day Parties
February 13th No School for Students - Staff Professional Learning Day
February 14th No School for Staff and Students - President's Day
February 25th FLECC PTA Meeting @ FL ~ 6:30 p.m.
3rd Grade Music Concert Parent Letter
3rd Concert Letter 2026.pdf
News from FLECC PTA
Magic Gives back has KICKED OFF!
We’re thrilled to announce that Magic Gives Back is officially kicking off this week! This exciting fundraiser raises money for our school and brings an unforgettable live magic and
variety show right to our school. Created by world-famous magician and YouTube star Rick Smith Jr., Magic Gives Back has helped schools all over the country raise tens of thousands of dollars. This year, we’re aiming even higher, and we need your help to make it happen.
How It Works
On Kickoff Day, your child will bring home a flyer with a Golden Ticket and simple
instructions to get started.
Here’s what to do:
1. Visit https://ultimateraise.com/join/Olmsted
2. Create your student’s profile
3. Send 10 or more emails to friends and family members
4. Return the Golden Ticket the next day to earn prizes
Each email helps spread the word and raises support for our school. The more emails your
student sends, the more prizes they can earn, including a chance to win a $10,000 family trip to
Walt Disney World in Florida, sponsored by The Calvetta Brothers Floor Show.
Privacy Promise
We understand that sharing email addresses can feel personal, and we want you to know that your trust and privacy are extremely important to us. Any email addresses you enter into the Magic Gives Back system are 100% safe, private, and protected. All information is used only for fundraising communications and event updates connected to
your school’s Magic Gives Back fundraiser. Emails are never shared, sold, or released to anyone outside of Magic Gives Back. Every message sent is designed solely to support your student’s fundraiser and help your school reach its goals.
Tickets Are On Sale Now
Magic Gives Back isn’t your average birthday party or school gym magic show. It’s a full-scale illusion and variety experience featuring world-class performers, lighting, music, and interactive fun for all ages.
Get your tickets before they sell out:
https://ultimateraise.com/join/Olmsted
Thank you for supporting our school and helping us reach our fundraising goals. Together, we can raise thousands of dollars for field trips, classrooms and more while creating a magical experience our students will never forget.
Volunteer Opportunities
Falls Lenox Lunchroom Volunteer (11/1/2025 - 02/28/2026)
Check with your child's teacher directly, they are always planning fun things for the kids that they may need a helping hand with!
Pictures from the Week
Mr. Jenkins and Ms. Drvenkar co-teaching Math!
Mr. Jenkins and Ms. Drvenkar co-teaching Math!
1st graders in Mrs. Kostraba's class at Math Work Places.
1st graders in Mrs. Kostraba's class at Math Work Places.
3rd graders in Mrs. Duray's room setting goals for the new year.
3rd graders in Mrs. Duray's room setting goals for the new year.
An engaging morning meeting (learning and greeting) in Mrs. Gommel's 2nd grade class.
An engaging morning meeting (learning and greeting) in Mrs. Gommel's 2nd grade class.
3rd graders in Mrs. Rinas's class writing stories to the prompt, "If I was trapped in a snow globe..."
3rd graders in Mrs. Rinas's class writing stories to the prompt, "If I was trapped in a snow globe..."
Look at this strawberry! Fresh fruit everyday with breakfast and lunch in our cafeteria!
Look at this strawberry! Fresh fruit everyday with breakfast and lunch in our cafeteria!
Ms. Williams's dog Cece says, "Happy New Year!"
Ms. Williams's dog Cece says, "Happy New Year!"
2026 Lunch and Breakfast Menus
OFCS is Looking for Substitutes! If interested, please apply on our website at, www.ofcs.net
OF Camp Invention - GIFTOFCAMP FLYER
Dear Bulldog Families,
Olmsted Falls City Schools has again partnered with the Cleveland Cavaliers for a fun afternoon Cavs game! This year’s event will take place on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. when the Cavs take on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Please note that this date is a school holiday in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
This year’s pre-game experience will be the Big Flag! Ticket purchasers from our Bulldog group will be entered into a raffle to be selected to hold the Big Flag on the court during the National Anthem. Bulldogs selected to participate in the Big Flag experience will be notified via email in advance of game day.
Please consider joining Olmsted Falls City Schools as we cheer on our Cleveland Cavaliers this January! To purchase tickets, click on this link below for access to our reserved supply of tickets:
OFCS at Cavs - Ticket Link for January 19, 2026 2:30 PM Game
Please note that there are several ticket block areas and price levels available for our group. This January 19th game vs. the OKC Thunder will be a nationally televised game, so tickets may sell fast. It is recommended that interested Bulldogs purchase as soon as possible.
We look forward to this special day with the Cavs and hope to see you there!
Go Bulldogs and Go Cavs!
In The Loop-Dec 25Jan 26-reduced file size.pdfAttendance Information
Exciting News for Bulldog Families!
Exciting News for Bulldog Families!
We're Teaming Up with the Cleveland Browns for a Special School Attendance Program!
The Falls-Lenox attendance line number is: 440-427-6411. A parent/guardian must call the Attendance Line each & every day his/her student(s) will be absent from school.
The following information must be provided: Student name, reason for absence, and parent/guardian name and contact phone number. Students will be considered truant from school if parent/guardian contact is not received. In the event a parent/guardian neglects to notify the main office of an absence, a written note must be provided upon return to school. All written verification must be received in the main office immediately upon the student’s arrival to school. Please refer to the student handbook posted on our website for specific information regarding excused and unexcused absences.
Dear Families
We’re kicking off something exciting this year at Olmsted Falls City Schools—and we want YOU on our team! We’re proud to announce our new partnership with the Cleveland Browns Foundation as part of the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network.
The Stay in the Game! program is all about helping students come to school every day, ready to learn and grow. Why? Because being in school regularly makes a BIG difference—especially for our youngest learners! When students miss too many days, it can be hard to catch up on learning, build friendships, and stay connected.
🏈 What Is “Stay in the Game!”?
🏈 What Is “Stay in the Game!”?
It’s a statewide program that works with schools and families to help kids:
Build strong attendance habits
Stay excited about school
Celebrate small wins and progress along the way
And yes—there will be fun events, surprises, and special moments throughout the year inspired by our hometown football team, the Cleveland Browns!
🐾 Why Attendance Matters—Even in the Early Years:
🐾 Why Attendance Matters—Even in the Early Years:
Missing just 2 days a month adds up to over 3 weeks of missed learning each year.
Regular routines help young children feel safe, confident, and successful.
Showing up every day builds the habits and skills that last a lifetime.
We know that life can be busy, and sometimes things come up. That’s why we’re here to support you with resources, encouragement, and creative solutions to help your child “stay in the game” all year long.
Let’s make this school year one full of learning, growth, and Bulldog spirit! When we work together, great things happen—for our kids and our community.
Thanks for being part of our team!
Go Browns! Go Bulldogs!
Sincerely,
Lisa Williams
Principal
School Times:
School Day: 8:00-2:35
Tardy Bell: 7:55 a.m. (Students must be in their classrooms by 8:00 a.m. Students entering classrooms after 8:00 a.m. will be marked tardy.)
Office Hours: 7:30-3:30 (You can leave a message after 3:30 p.m.)
Note: If your child is a car-rider, doors open at 7:35 a.m. and are open until 7:55 a.m. The side doors are locked at 7:55 a.m. If your child is coming to school after 7:55 a.m., they will need to enter through the front doors. If your child plans to eat breakfast, please have them at school by 7:45. Students cannot enter prior to 7:35 am.
Questions to ask your child about their school day, instead of "How was school"?
What made your smile today?
Who did you sit with a lunch?
If you could change one thing about today, what would that be?
What was the hardest rule to follow today?
Tell me something you know today that you didn't know yesterday.
What did you learn today? What did you enjoy learning the most today?
Tell me what you are writing about during writing workshop.
Tell me about a book you read or was read to you today.
Staff Shout Outs
Staff Shout Outs
Is there a staff member that has made a positive impact in your child's life? Please take a moment to say 'thank you' by submitting a Staff Shout Out! Shout Outs will be shared with the staff member. Click HERE to submit a shout out!
Clinic Policy - Please do not send your child to school with a fever, diarrhea, or more than 2 of the following symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, chills, fever, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, headache, diarrhea. Students cannot return to school after a fever, vomitting, or diarrhea until they have gone 24 hours symptoms free (without Tylenol for a fever). Call off your child using our attendance line: 440-427-6411.
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