Welcome to Cedarville Elementary!

We are excited that you are visiting our "Welcome to Cedarville Elementary" website!  Below, you will find a variety of "Frequently Asked Questions." Our hope is that you are able to get to know us as you prepare for your child to attend our school!

If there are questions that you still have, please contact the Elementary office at (937)766-3811 and we would be happy to assist you!

​Again, welcome to Cedarville!

Academics

WHAT ARE THE STATE STANDARDS FOR MY CHILD'S GRADE?
The Ohio Learning Standards guide all of our instructional practices.  You may find detailed information about the standards for your child’s grade by visiting: http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/OLS-Graphic-Sections/Learning-Standards
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wHAT CURRICULUM DO YOU USE?
​Language Arts
We do not used a “boxed” curriculum.  Instead, we utilize several different resources/strategies to teach Language Arts, including: leveled readers, the Guided Reading model, Orton-Gillingham strategies, and the state standards for teacher-created lessons
 
Math
Ready Classroom Math
 
Science
Science Fusion
 
Social Studies
Teacher created curriculum, based off of state standards
wHAT IS ORTON-GILLINGHAM AND WHY DO YOU USE IT?
​Orton–Gillingham is a teaching approach specifically designed to help struggling readers by explicitly teaching the connections between letters and sounds. Today—decades after it was introduced—many reading programs include Orton–Gillingham ideas. At Cedarville Elementary, we utilize a modified approach that reaches all learners, as 100% of our Language Arts teachers have been trained in this approach designed for whole-class instruction.
This structured literacy approach introduced the idea of breaking reading and spelling down into smaller skills involving letters and sounds, and then building on these skills over time.
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It also pioneered the multisensory approach to teaching reading, which is a common component of effective literacy programs. This means that instructors use sight, hearing, touch, and movement to help students connect language with letters and words. Orton–Gillingham is widely used to teach students with dyslexia.
my child's teacher talks about my child's reading level.  What does it mean, how do they determine it, and what should it be?
​We utilize the Guided Reading model for reading instruction in our school.  As a part of that model, students are assessed to determine their reading level, and teachers use that reading level to select books that are appropriate for students.  The reading levels are assigned using a “benchmarking” assessment that requires students to read aloud to their teacher in a one-on-one setting.  Teachers measure their reading rate and accuracy, and then ask comprehension questions to determine each student’s level.  The levels use the alphabet, ranging from A to Z:
what is i-Ready?
​i-Ready is an online diagnostic assessment tool that we use to identify each student’s current achievement level in Reading and Mathematics.  Students take the diagnostic in the fall, winter, and spring, with results being used to provide students with interventions, if necessary.  I-Ready currently meets the requirements as an alternate assessment for Ohio’s Third Grade Reading Guarantee, and will be used in the spring with third graders who still need to meet those requirements.
 
i-Ready diagnostic assessments take approximately one hour to complete for each subject.  Students use a Chromebook to take this assessment, and need minimal teacher assistance.
what is the third grade reading guarantee?
Put into law many years ago, this legislation requires that a third grader must show proficiency in reading by the end of third grade, or they are not permitted to move on to fourth grade in reading.  The main way this is measured is through the state test in the fall and spring, however, students may also meet the requirements through an alternate assessment.  We use i-Ready as our alternate assessment.  Since its inception, Cedarville Elementary has had 100% of its students meet the requirements for promotion.
 
For more information visit: http://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Early-Learning/Third-Grade-Reading-Guarantee/TGRG-ToolKit-one-pager.pdf.aspx
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how do I receive my child's state test results?
​Your child’s state test results will be sent to you as soon as the Ohio Department of Education provides parent reports after testing.  This is typically around the beginning of December for third grade students who took the test in the fall, and usually near the beginning of the next school year for the spring tests.
How will I know how my child is doing in class?
​There are many ways to track how your child is doing!  Each night, your child will be bringing home an agenda book that is provided through school fees.  Many teachers use this as a way to give you quick feedback on how your child did that day, and important events/due dates coming up.  As students get older, they are expected to manage this agenda book on their own to keep track of assignments, and other activities at school.
 
Once per nine weeks, you will receive a progress report at the midway point to show your child’s grades.  At the end of each nine weeks, you will receive a report card, which will provide the final grades for each quarter, and will also include “skills” grades and comments from your child’s teacher and principal.
 
If you would like to monitor your child’s grades in “real time,” we do offer parent access through Progressbook.  To gain access, you must contact the office to receive an access code, which will allow you to see each of your child’s grades as teachers enter them into the online gradebook (Grades 2-5 only).
When are parent-teacher conferences?
​Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held in October and February each school year.  Teachers will typically have a sign-up sheet available on Open House night for the fall conference nights, and will be in touch with each of you regarding spring conferences.
besides language arts, math, science, and social studies, what else will my child be participating in at school?



​​We believe in providing students with a well-rounded education!  In addition to the “core” classes, your child will participate in the following: art, physical education, music, a wellness/life skills class, and a library program. Additionally, students will have monthly character lessons from the school counselor, and will be provided with a daily lunch and recess break. 
What does my child need for Physical Education (PE)?





​​Your child should wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes on gym days.  Students are not given time to change clothes, but can bring a change of shoes, if necessary.
will my child be bringing home library books?
​Yes, as a part of our Elementary library program, students are able to check out library books each week.  For younger grades, these books will come home in a plastic bag each week to protect the books, and make it easier for students to transport them

Kindergarten

what does my child need to know before kindergarten?
​Our desire is that you work on the following ten skills prior to the first day of kindergarten:
 
1. Practice writing first name
2. Practice cutting using scissors
3. Practice a proper pencil grip
4. Count to 20 by ones
5. Practice recognizing all uppercase and lowercase letters
6. Practice letter sounds
7. Practice identifying shapes
8. Practice tying shoes
9. Practice zipping your coat
10. Read together each night
what is the reggio emilia philosophy?
What does a day in kindergarten look like?
​The first half of the kindergarten day is our “traditional” academic time.  Students will spend this time learning beginning reading skills and will also have math.  In the middle of the day, students take a lunch and recess break, return to class, where they participate in their special area class for the day (music, PE, library, or life skills) and then come back to the regular classroom for their Reggio Emilia time.
What are the "first week" procedures for kindergarten?
​For the first three days of school, we allow parents to walk students their child to the classroom to assist with the transition.  After that, we ask that parents drop their child off at the door, or in the office to have them walk to class on their own. 
 
In class, the first week involves teaching students routines and procedures that will help them in their classroom, and in the school.  They learn where different rooms are in the school, and what the school’s expectations are for behavior.  Additionally, they spend a lot of time getting to know each other, and learning how to work together!
what is a "side-by-side Day?"
​We offer each family the opportunity to come and spend a portion of a school day with their kindergarten aged child.  These “side by side” days allow parents to hear classroom language, see the routine, and experience a portion of a day as their child would.  These days are scheduled, and parents must sign up.  Please contact your child’s kindergarten teacher for more information!

School Operations

how do I enroll my child in cedarville elementary?
For those families who live within the boundaries of Cedar Cliff Local Schools, you may enroll by visiting this web-link: https://cedarcliff.esvportal.com/  You will need to create an account, and fill out all the forms.  In addition, you will need to provide the following to the Elementary office in order to complete the enrollment process:
  • official proof of birth (vital statistics birth certificates - obtained through the county office where the child was born, Passport or Registered Baptismal record – hospital birth memento will not be accepted.)-must bring original birth certificate-to have a copy made at the school.
  • Immunization records – which include polio, measles, DTP, Rubella, Mumps, chicken pox (Varicella) and hepatitis B.
  • Custody papers - if the parents are divorced or legally separated.
  • proof of residency (which would include a lease agreement, or utility bill, phone bill, housing contract, bank statement, credit card bill, with live address – no PO Box address will be accepted). 
  • Latest IEP if student is receiving special education services.
 
For those families who live outside of the boundaries of Cedar Cliff Local Schools, you may apply for admission as an Open Enrollment student.  More information can be found here: https://www.cedarcliffschools.net/enrollment-information.html
how do i get my child on a bus route?
Bus transportation is available for anyone who lives more than one mile from the school building.  Upon enrollment, your child will be assigned to a bus route, should you request that on your enrollment paperwork.  The office, or bus transportation coordinator will contact you to inform you of the pick-up and drop-off times for your child.  Students are only permitted one stop, and if using a babysitter, they must be on the district’s approved list in order for students to be dropped off there.  Students in grades K-2 may not be dropped off without an adult present, or an older sibling being present (parent signature required).  For questions, please call Tommy Morgan, Transportation Director at (937)766-6000 ext. 2108 or contact him through email at [email protected].
how do I drop off my child at school in the morning?
​Students should be dropped off using the entrance off of Walnut Street in the morning after 7:40 AM.  To drop off your child, please pull in and use the far right lane to stop and let your child out on the passenger side of your vehicle.  Should you need to enter the building for any reason, please park in the far left lane, using one of the parking spots available in order to maintain a steady traffic flow.  The middle lane should not be used for dropping off to avoid having students cross a lane of traffic.  The middle lane is only to be used as a pass-through lane!
How do i pick my child up from school at the end of the day?
​Students being picked up after school will use the doors at the main entrance of the Elementary (Walnut St.).  You may arrive prior to dismissal time if you wish, and may park on both sides of the school driveway.  Please keep the middle lane clear for through traffic.  As students exit the building, they will walk to your vehicle, and if they need to cross the driveway, a crossing guard will be present to assist students safely across.  Some parents also find it helpful to park on Walnut Street behind Faith Hall, or father down on Walnut Street to avoid the traffic, as it is very busy out front each day when we dismiss!
how do i change how my child is going home from school?
Transportation changes must be made either in writing, or by calling the Elementary office at (937)766-3811.  If making the request in writing, please send in a note or an email to your child’s teacher, or the office prior to 1:30 on the day of the change.  You should include your name, your child’s name, and what the transportation change request is.  Please note, you may not change your child’s bus drop-off location if it is not an approved stop, and transportation requests may be denied by your child’s principal or transportation coordinator.
How do i report that my child is going to be absent from school?
Please call the Elementary office at (937)766-3811 or send an email to the Elementary Secretary, Tracie Morrow at [email protected].
how much does lunch cost, and how do i put money on my child's lunch account?


​The school prepares hot lunches daily for your student.  Breakfast items are available each morning as well. Extra milk may be purchased, as well as other “extras” such as popcorn, chips, pretzels, and ice cream. 
 
The price for breakfast and lunch for the 2020-2021 school year is as follows:
Elementary Breakfast: $1.85                           Reduced Cost: $0.30
Elementary Lunch: $2.90                                   Reduced Cost: $0.40
Milk $0.55
 
Students have the opportunity to pay for lunch using an ID number and a prepaid account. More information is available on our district website, or by contacting our cafeteria.
 
Lunch fees may be transferred to another lunch account, however, they cannot be refunded.
 
Lunch funds remaining in lunch accounts will carry over to the next school year for student use when they return from summer break.
 
Funds remaining in graduating senior accounts will be handled as follows:
a) Those students with younger siblings will have remaining monies transferred to the sibling account.
 
b) Those graduating seniors with no siblings will have their remaining monies utilized in the Cedarville Emergency Fund to assist those students in need in the Cedar Cliff Local School District.  Families who wish to have remaining funds reimbursed rather than utilized in the Emergency Fund, must submit their request in writing to the Treasurer’s Office by June 15 of the year in which the student graduates.
 
Students who withdraw from the Cedar Cliff Local School District will have lunch monies reimbursed to them.

It is the responsibility of the parents to provide for lunch for their children while at school. However, it is important to provide that children receive the nutrition they need to stay focused during the school day. This procedure shall apply in the event that a child neither has a lunch nor the funds to purchase a lunch.
An elementary student (Grades K-5) may charge two (2) meals in succession. An elementary child will be sent to the front office for assistance after the second charge.
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A student's parents, teacher, and principal will all be notified of the delinquency in the student's account each time it is necessary for the student to charge a meal to give the parents time to send a check or cash to school with their child to give to the Cashier or Cafeteria Manager.

Parents may also pay for school meals via the Internet through the District’s Nutrition Services website.
At the discretion of each principal, a school or private service fund may be established to pay for student’s charged meals, rather than to offer the alternative meal. The Nutrition Services Manager will work with each principal to determine a payment schedule for these meals.
can i eat lunch with my child?
Normally, yes, however, with concerns about COVID-19, we are still working to determine if any guests will be able to eat with students during the 2020-2021 school year.
What school Supplies will my child need?
what is PBIS and why is it important to our school?
​PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, and is required by law.  The premise behind PBIS is to create a safe, positive school environment that teaches expected behaviors and recognizes students who meet those expectations.  At Cedarville Elementary, we use the following to guide our PBIS program:
 
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Resourceful
 
When you visit our building, you will notice signs throughout the building encouraging students to exhibit positive behaviors, and the signs will also explain how they can show those behaviors in different spaces throughout our building. 
 
Teachers are expected to teach students the expected behaviors, and align their classroom behavior plans with our three tenets.
 
Each week, we recognize students who have gone above and beyond by doing a rewards drawing, with one student from each grade level being recognized for their positive behavior.  Students may receive a tangible reward, or an experience, such as eating lunch with a teacher as a way to encourage good choices and good behavior.
i've heard that i need a background check to help at the school.  how do i get one done? how long does it last? what types of things do i need a background check to be able to do?
For the safety of all of our students, background checks are required for anyone who will be serving as a classroom volunteer, or traveling with a class on a field trip.  These background checks are good for three years from the date of approval, and may be obtained by going here: https://www.cedarcliffschools.net/secure-volunteer.html  The costs associated with the background checks must be paid by the applicant.
will my child go on field trips? what are the procedures for them to be able to go?  can i chaperone?





​Normally, field trips are an important extension to your child’s educational experience, but with COVID-19 concerns, the district is working to determine what trips may be permissible.  Information will be updated if and when field trips are allowed to resume.
can i bring treats to celebrate my child's birthday?
​Yes!  We enjoy celebrating your child’s birthday here! We do ask that you please contact your child’s teacher to make arrangements and to check on food allergies.
What parties will my child celebrate this year?  can i come help?
Typically the Elementary has three celebrations each year:

Halloween Party
Christmas Around the World
Valentine’s Day Party
 
Volunteers for these events are necessary, and we would love your help!  Given the situation with COVID-19, we are evaluating if guests will be permitted in the building for parties.  If we do hold parties and allow volunteers,  we do require that if you are attending that you have an approved background check on file in the office.
what happens if my child is ill or injured at school?
​We have a clinic that is staffed throughout the school day.  Teachers, or other school staff, will likely send your child to the clinic for an assessment, and then parents will typically be notified.  If your child’s condition requires that they be sent home from school, you will be contacted.  In the event that you are unable to be reached, we will contact others who you’ve designated to be allowed to pick your child up from school.