Contact Information:
Tyson D. Hilkert
Principal
Minerva France Elementary
Westerville City Schools
614-797-7500
HilkertT@wcsoh.org
Contact Information:
Tyson D. Hilkert
Principal
Minerva France Elementary
Westerville City Schools
614-797-7500
HilkertT@wcsoh.org
10.3.25
Minerva France Families,
Classroom celebrations are a fun and memorable experience for students during their elementary school years. At Minerva France, we recognize these celebrations in a fun and memorable way that encourages our students to share, listen, and learn.
Through the first quarter of the school year, our students have accomplished so much at Minerva France Elementary and have proudly continued our namesake. Minerva J. France, a former WCS student, set a precedent for women of color in higher education, paving the way for others to follow. France received her Bachelor’s Degree from the West Virginia Collegiate Institute, spent time at Columbia University, and ultimately landed a job as a librarian and English instructor at Wilberforce College. While at Wilberforce, France regularly made the one-hour trip to Columbus to take night classes for her Master’s Degree that she obtained in 1934. To honor her legacy and dedication to education, our staff will wear apparel of their alma mater and/or favorite higher education institution on October 16. Your child is invited to do the same!
On October 31st, our classrooms will hold their fall celebrations. These celebrations will focus on the fall season and incorporate many seasonal, educational, and festive activities. If you have any interest in supporting this celebration in your child’s classroom, please contact your child’s teacher. Our staff will be wearing our favorite Falcon apparel. If you have any interest in purchasing any Falcon Merchandise, you may do so by following this link. Proceeds from each purchase will go to support student activities at our school. I would be remiss if I did not mention the MFE PTA Trunk or Treat on October 16th from 5:30-7:30pm or the Minerva Park Trick or Treat activities on October 30th . For those participating, feel free to stop by the main driveway entrance of the school between 6-7pm on October 30th. There, any child can trick or treat for a free book and sweet treat, while supplies last. They will also see a few mystery staff members who will be present and all dressed up! Providing these free books to any child of the Minerva Park Community is just one more way we can honor the legacy of a brilliant librarian and educator such as Minerva J. France.
Students are encouraged to maintain regular dress during student day during the dates mentioned above. Although we are not encouraging costumes during school hours, students are welcome to express themselves through their personal style while still adhering to the current standards of appropriate public attire. Maintaining this approach will help our school foster a collaborative atmosphere that encourages our students to share, listen, and learn from a variety of diverse experiences.
Finally, through the month of October and into November there are a handful of other items/dates that I would like to make you aware of…
School Picture Day
10/6
3rd Grade Ohio State Tests
10/14 & 10/15
Higher Education Day
10/16
Wear the gear of your Alma Mater or Favorite Higher Education Institution
Teacher Professional Day (No School for Students)
10/17
Parent Teacher Conferences -- Sign up via your child’s teacher
10/22
Students attend school
Parent teacher conferences from 4-7:30pm
10/23
No School for students
Parent Teacher Conferences 8am-7:30pm
10/24
No School for Students or Staff
Fall Celebrations
10/31
Wear your Falcon Gear
Westerville Educator Day (No School for Students)
11/4
Veterans Day
11/11
Follow this link to help us get connected with those who have served in our school community!
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at the main office at 614-797-7500 or email at HilkertT@wcsoh.org.
Sincerely,
Mr. Hilkert
Principal
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9.15.25
Dear Parents,
We are excited to introduce a new initiative for our elementary students in grades 1-5, called Falcon Flex. This is a 30-minute period held once daily, designed to enhance your child’s learning experience. This initiative has been spearheaded by our MTSS Coach Devan Williams and will be implemented by our teachers across the school.
During Falcon Flex, multiple teachers will join each grade level to provide targeted instruction. Depending on your child’s needs, they may receive enrichment activities, reteaching of specific skills, or interventions to help them acquire new skills necessary for learning.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel free to contact me at HilkertT@wcsoh.org.
Thank you for your continued support and of course, Go Falcons!
Sincerely,
Mr. Hilkert
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8.21.25
Falcon Families,
We invite our parents and caregivers to our Curriculum Night on August 28 from 5:30-7:30 PM. This event for adults is a great chance to learn about our programs and engage with your child’s teachers. See the schedule here.
The Annual Title One Parent Meeting starts at 5:35 PM, led by Mr. Hilkert, and will provide information on Title One programs and their support for student learning.
Access to the entire school and breakout classroom sessions begin at 6:00 PM, where you can explore activities, curriculum plans, and engage with teachers to support your child’s success.
For questions, contact me at HilkertT@wcsoh.org. We look forward to seeing you and partnering in your child’s education.
Go Falcons!
Mr. Hilkert
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8.12.25
Hello Falcon Parents,
This message should help YOU be prepared for the first few days of school!
Meet the Teacher is Tuesday, 8/12, from 2:15-3:45pm
Drop off supplies and tour your new classroom
Food Trucks will be available from 2-4pm for purchase
Arrival/Dismissal
Are you picking your student up or dropping off? Please watch this short video describing some changes
Arrival
Only students/staff will be permitted inside of the building from 8:50am-4:00pm. Questions? Call or stop in the main office
Breakfast opens at 8:55am for all students
Grab & Go to their classroom!
All students may enter the building at 9am
Students are encouraged to be inside the building by 9:10am (announcements begin)
The tardy bell rings at 9:15am
Dismissal
Our goal this year is to get cars off of Greenline and Fairview and into our lot. Watch the video about for changes to start the year
Please be patient and communicative with staff the first few weeks of school to ensure a smooth dismissal routine
Curriculum Night is Thursday, 8/28, from 5:30-7:30pm
Parents will be attend multiple sessions to learn about their child’s school experience
Look for a schedule and more information soon!
Updated 2025-2026 Cell Phone Policy
Devices must be powered off and out of sight the entire academic day
Food items sent to school will not be opened nor distributed
Minerva France gear can be purchased Here
Want more information about our school?
We are eager to welcome our students back into the building and excited for the 25-26 School Year! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at HilkertT@wcsoh.org
Go Falcons!
Mr. Hilkert
Tyson D. Hilkert
Principal
Minerva France Elementary
Westerville City Schools
614-797-7500
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8.1.25
Hello Falcons!
Welcome to the 25-26 school year at Minerva France Elementary in Westerville City Schools. We are excited to see you! Follow this link to review many of the items you will need to start the school year, including information about our school, school supply list, applicable fees, and other important information. Families, please plan to attend Popsicles with the Principals on August 5th from 10am-12:30pm and 4:30pm-7:00pm. During this event, you will receive all the information you need to get the school year started while your child enjoys a sweet frozen treat! Meet the Teacher will be August 12th from 2:15pm-3:45pm and Curriculum Night will be August 28th from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Mark your calendars now for Parent Teacher Conferences on October 22nd & 23rd.
Parents, PowerSchool is live. Please log in to fill out your child’s forms. If you do not have a login, please call 614-797-7500 or attend Popsicles with the Principals and our school team will help you get logged in for the first time. Parents can pay school fees online beginning July 25th. Bus schedules are available August 6th. Our first day of school is Wednesday, August 13th for grades 1-5. Gentle Start for All Day Kindergarten and AM Kindergarten is August 13th, 14th, and 15th with all of our Kindergarten students joining us on August 18th.
Be sure to follow the link to learn more about the upcoming school year and we are eager to see you!
Go Falcons!
Mr. Hilkert