MWE Update
There are so many ways to measure an elementary student's annual growth and achievement. At Miami Whitewater Elementary, we pride ourselves in living the SLSD mission, "Academic and Social Growth for ALL students, EVERY DAY!" However, at the end of every school year it's difficult to measure the immense impact that our teachers and staff members had on your children. We partner with YOU to make amazing little humans. That's hard to put into a spreadsheet or data binder. The school experience at Miami Whitewater Elementary is unique and special but is hard to measure - it just is.
Our third year at MWE has been incredible! Each student, teacher, and staff member built on his or her capacity both in and out of the classroom. We have more young wildcats involved in extra-curriculars & clubs than ever before! Your donations, involvement in PTO, attendance at awards assemblies + curriculum nights + school art and music shows, hours spent volunteering at field day + Mumkin pick-up + holiday parties, and help is appreciated more than you know. We thank all our parents, guardians, and community members who take the time to work with us. Your support of our students is powerful. We take every opportunity to recognize and celebrate the excellence of our students across all areas of their achievements. We thank you for your ongoing advocacy for MWE and our students.
The final three days of school will be jam-packed and full of excitement. There are several reminders below to help you navigate everything!
Retirement - We wish Miss Brook Cole the best of luck as she retires at the end of this school year. As an Elementary educator, Miss Cole touched thousands of lives in the Southwest Local School District. Her dedication, values, and patience will live on in our hearts for years to come!
Moving On –
1. Mrs. Monica Daughters, one of our phenomenal MTSS ParaProfessionals, will not be returning to Miami Whitewater Elementary next school year. Mrs. Daughters plans to focus on helping her husband with their family business. The work she has done at Miamitown Elementary and Miami Whitewater Elementary is greatly appreciated!
2. Mrs. Lori Guilfoyle was offered a 3rd grade teaching position at Crosby Elementary and recently accepted. She has been a vital part of our MWE family and the MT team before we opened our new school. Lori has guided students to grow academically and socially for years. She also played an integral role in providing news crew, PTO support, and extra-curricular opportunities for our students. Lori will be teaching 5th grade with us until the end of this school year, then will make the transition to her new position teaching 3rd grade at Crosby. We’re fortunate that Lori will still be in the SLSD family! Please wish Mrs. Guilfoyle the best of luck as she starts her new journey!
3. Ms. Amy Walter, our Occupational Therapist, does not plan to return to MWE as a related service provider next school year.
Summer Ceramics Camp – Mrs. Ferguson is offering summer ceramics camp. For more information, click HERE
Nuisance Items - As a reminder, cell phones, smart watches, and Gizmo watches are permitted at school but must be turned off and remain in student book bags during the school day. They cannot be used in the school building. Any student caught with their cell phone or smart watch out during the school day will have it taken away and a parent/guardian must come to the school office to claim the technology. Students have access to the classroom phone (with teacher permission),or can come to the office to make a call home if needed.
Walk-A-Thon - The MWE Walk-A-Thon was a huge success today! Thanks for all your support & to our amazing PTO Board members and volunteers for their hard work.
SLSD School Finance - Last week, we continued our five part video series about how school finance works at SLSD. In the first video, we discussed how money is spent across our district, and how that money is focused on investing in people - our students and staff. And in the second video, we focused on how SLSD compares to other districts around Hamilton County.
If you missed last week’s video, you can view them by clicking below:
Video #1: https://youtu.be/mqSFIBqDlQk
Video #2: https://youtu.be/lmvZesPZXg8
This week, our finance series continues with a focus on the history of past levies here at Southwest, and how SLSD utilizes your tax dollars to ensure a quality education and opportunities for every student. You can watch this new video here: https://youtu.be/AD6AJtbw6pk
The big takeaway is that SLSD has worked hard to minimize any additional levy asks of the community, while ensuring that SLSD continues to provide the excellence that our students, parents, and community deserves. We continue to provide the information that we’ve been hearing the community ask for throughout our efforts to engage more directly with residents, parents, and students. Stay tuned for Part 4 of our series, which will provide more information on the growth our SLSD community is currently experiencing!
Fernside Summer Opportunities - Fernside offers several summer opportunities for families and students. Click the flyers below for more information:
2024-2025 Teachers & Intervention Specialists
Kindergarten
- Mrs. Sarah Ard (full day)
- Mrs. Crystal Mumfrey (full day)
- Mrs. Holly Kober (AM + PM)
- _______________ (AM only) (new hire - possible SLSD Board of Education approval 5.21.24)
First Grade
- Mrs. Andrea Beasley
- Mrs. Crystal Houpe
- Mrs. Erin Linde
- Mrs. Katy Pfeffer
- Ms. Mel Vandeventer
Second Grade
- Mrs. Toni Ange
- Mr. Mike Borcher
- Mrs. Sheri Horning
- Mrs. Ashley Jackson
- Mrs. Deanna Weber
Third Grade
- Mrs. Mandy Blankenship
- Mrs. Stephanie Deller
- Mrs. Cari Heinrich
- Mrs. Ashley Hollmann
- Mrs. Amber Payne
Fourth Grade
- Ms. Sandy Hollstegge
- Mrs. Sarah Osterhage
- Miss Kylie Rack
- Mrs. Dana Stafford
- Mr. Gene Williams
Fifth Grade
- Miss Molly Kock
- Miss Lydia Leverett
- Mrs. Kelsey Schaber
- Miss Elle Ventre
- _______________ (new hire - possible SLSD Board of Education approval 5.21.24)
Intervention Specialists
- Mrs. Stephanie Bennett
- Ms. Angie Frey
- Mrs. Beth Kemble
- Mrs. Vicki Kinney
- Mrs. Jen Mangione
- Ms. Lisa Niesen
- Mrs. Molly Peters
- Miss Meghan Wabnitz
- _________________ (new hire - SLSD Board of Education approval 5.21.24)
Upcoming Dates
May 17 - Teacher In Service Day - No School for students
May 21 - High School Graduation (7:30pm at SLSD Activity Center)
May 22 - Last Day of School
May 22 - 3rd & 4th grade Second Semester Awards Assembly in gym - 10am
May 22 - 5th Grade Graduation Ceremony & Celebration (10:00 Whitewater Crossing Church)
May 23 - End of Second Semester - No School
May 24 - Teacher Records Day
May 27 - Memorial Day - School Closed
June 7 – Final report cards published in ProgressBook
2024-2025 Back-To-School Dates
8.13.24 - MWE Open House
8.15.24 - First Day of school for students!
In closing, thanks for a phenomenal school year! No matter what was thrown at us, we worked together to find different ways to teach, motivate, and inspire our students. And that is something to be proud of. As parents & guardians, look for the good that came out of this school year’s moments. Our connections and relationships are key. Having your trust and support impacted the school year at Miami Whitewater Elementary from start to finish. As you reflect on the school year with your children, I hope it inspires you to honor the challenges, celebrate the growth, and appreciate the connections your family has formed. Enjoy summer vacation! Make wonderful memories whether you're near or far.
~ Mrs. Mia Neckel
~ Principal
~ Miami Whitewater Elementary
~ Southwest Local School District
Mission: “Academic / Social growth for ALL students, EVERY DAY!”
Motto: “Excellence through Relationships!”
Core Values: Trust, Respect, Ownership and Leadership
Keeping the Main thing, the Main thing: Relationships, Relevance and Rigor in the classroom!