What's New for 2024-25?
We can't wait to welcome our Hurricane staff and students back to school for the 2024-25 school year. In addition to a new Superintendent, we've got some new changes to highlight.
- Cell phone/device use during the school day
- Free breakfast/lunch program
- New school schedule reminder
You'll also find our Open House and 1st day information after the news. Let's make it a great year at WCS!
Let's Talk About Cell Phones
Did you know that kids can get over 100 device notifications during the school day? Like most in the region, we have seen the increasing negative impact of cell phone use during the school day - from constant classroom distractions to behavior and safety issues. This year, schools across Ohio are required to address cell phone/device use during the school day. Check out the resources and news below*.
- Dayton Dunbar's experience (Today Show youtube clip)
- Cell Phones and School Safety (Dept of Education & Workforce)
- Supports for Families (Dept. of Education & Workforce) - tips for talking with your kids at device use
It's important for schools and parents to partner in reinforcing to kids that a student's responsibility while at school is to engage in their education - not scroll through social media, post on TikTok, play games, cyberbully, or text friends. Cell phone/device expectations will be in the student handbooks available in FinalForms and at wilmingtoncityschools.com/handbooks.
We're excited to start the new school year by taking this positive step to improve our schools.
*Links to external sites are not under the control of the district and are provided for informational purposes only.
Free Meals for All WCS Students
New this year: The District is participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)* based on our enrollment. What this means for our WCS families is that every enrolled WCS student is automatically eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch meal at no charge each school day this year! Please note that the program covers a full breakfast and lunch meal. Extra food or á la carte items will incur a charge.
No forms or applications are required to participate in this program. However, to determine eligibility for various additional state and federal program benefits that your child’s school may qualify for, we encourage you to complete, sign, and submit our Assistance Form if your income falls within or below the guidelines in the document. Forms will be available at Open House and will be sent home with kids in the 1st week of school.
*Please visit wilmingtoncityschools.com/foodservice for CEP updates and menus. We have been advised to anticipate formal approval of the District's qualifying status for CEP in September and will begin the school year under that program.
Small Changes, Big Impact: New School Schedule
If you missed it in the June 2024 Newsletter, the District has made small changes to the school schedule for a big impact. This year the elementaries will have staggered start/end times. The middle/high school schedule is moving up 10 minutes. This will increase the likelihood of elementary routes arriving on time. Staggering the start/end times at Holmes and Denver will make it easier for parents with kids in both elementaries. This year the schedule is the following:
- Middle/High School 7:40am-2:30pm
- Holmes K-2nd 9:10am-3:35pm
- Denver (3rd-5th and K-5 MH) 9:25am-3:50pm.
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Open House and Opening Week Information
Wilmington City School District is excited to welcome students back to school for the 2024-25 school year.
- Open House Night is set for August 12th from 5:00-7:30pm at each school. Families are encouraged to tour the schools, see their child's classroom, and meet teachers, staff, and other families.
- WHS: Freshmen Orientation is August 12th from 5:00-6:00pm and 10th-12th Orientation 6:00-7:30pm.
- First day of school is August 14th for 1st-12th grade (Preschool & Kindergarten see below).
- Preschool and Kindergarten students have a staggered start based on their last name as follows:
- Last names starting with A through L start on 8/14 (Preschool and Kdg M-Z stay home)
- Last names starting with M through Z start on 8/15 (Preschool and Kdg A-L stay home)
- All Kindergarten students come on 8/16 (there is no preschool on Fridays)
- See school supply lists here and student handbooks here.
- Check out August 2024 District Newsletter for all our Back-to-School News and more!
