West Union Elementary School

What Makes a Teacher of the Year?
The Adams County Teacher of the Year award recognizes outstanding full-time certified classroom teachers who make a real difference. These exceptional educators set high expectations for both their students and themselves, inspiring everyone around them - students, colleagues, and the entire community. They maintain the highest level of professionalism while continuously growing in their craft, and most importantly, they demonstrate genuine care and respect for every student. Help us honor a teacher who transforms learning, empowers students to succeed, and truly makes a difference in our schools!
Please share so that others may submit nominations, as well!

bit.ly/ACOVTOY

Classified Employee of the Year 2025/2026
What Makes a Classified Employee of the Year?
The Adams County Classified Employee of the Year award recognizes outstanding full-time classified staff members who make a real difference in our schools. Whether they serve as bus drivers, teacher aides, secretaries, custodians, maintenance workers, food service staff, technology support, or in any other vital classified role, these exceptional team members set high expectations for themselves and inspire everyone around them – students, colleagues, and the entire community. They maintain the highest level of professionalism while continuously growing in their roles, and most importantly, they demonstrate genuine care and respect for every student they serve. Help us honor a classified employee who keeps our schools running smoothly, supports student success in countless ways, and truly makes a difference in our educational community!

Please share so that others may submit nominations for Classified Employee of the Year.

Second Semester Starts Monday, January 12 – Let’s Start Strong!
As we begin the second semester, it’s the perfect time for a fresh start and a renewed focus on attendance. Every single day in school matters for student learning, relationships, and future success.
📌 Did you know? A student is considered chronically absent if they miss 10% of the school year—that’s just 2 days per month. Under Ohio law, all absences count (excused and unexcused).
🎯 STRIVE FOR 5 – Every Day Counts! (Students should miss no more than 5 days all year, if possible.)
💡 How families can help: ✔️ Make daily attendance a priority ✔️ Call the school within 1 hour of the start of the day if your child is absent ✔️ Send a written note, email, or doctor’s slip when your child returns ✔️ Reach out if challenges arise—we are here to help and support your family.
📚 When students are here, they are learning, growing, and building their future. Let’s work together to make second semester our strongest yet!
✨Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow

📣 Second Quarter Extended – District Update

Due to recent school closings and delays, ACOVSD has extended the 2nd quarter grading window to ensure students have the time and support needed for success.

📅 Important Dates to Know:
• The 2nd quarter will now close on January 9, 2026
• Report cards will be sent home on January 16, 2026

⏰ Reminder for Families:
The 1-hour early release will remain scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2025.

🎓📚 Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow

📣 Adams County - Mobile Food Pantry
Fresh fruits and vegetables available every 4th Tuesday of the month at the Adams County Fairgrounds, Boyd Ave, West Union!

🗓 Upcoming Mobile Pantry Dates:
📍 Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 | 11 AM – 1 PM
📍 Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 | 11 AM – 1 PM
📍 Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 | 11 AM – 1 PM

‼️ If local schools are closed or delayed due to inclement weather, the Mobile Pantry may be canceled or rescheduled.

📣 New State Attendance Rules – What Families Need to Know
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Adams County Ohio Valley Schools

Ohio has updated how student attendance is tracked statewide with HB 96. Here’s what families need to know ⬇️

📊 What’s Changing?

Ohio now includes all absences (excused & unexcused) when identifying students who are chronically absent.
➡️ Chronic absenteeism = 10% of missed school days (about 2+ days per month)
➡️ Even excused absences count

🚨 Truancy Rules (Unexcused Absences Only – these laws remain the same)

⚠️ 30+ hours unexcused (consecutive)
⚠️ 42+ hours unexcused in one month
⚠️ 72+ hours unexcused in a year

📌 What Families Must Do

✔️ Call the school within 1 hour of the start of the school day
✔️ Send written documentation (note, email, doctor slip) when your child returns

❤️ Why This Matters

Missing school = missing:
✨ Learning
✨ Relationships
✨ Opportunities

STRIVE FOR 5 – EVERY DAY COUNTS

📚 Learn more about Ohio’s attendance laws: Attendance Support | Ohio Department of Education & Workforce
🌍 Why attendance matters: https://www.attendanceworks.org/

📞 Questions? Contact us:

District Wide: Tracy Spires – (937) 544-5586
WUHS/WUE: Guy Hopkins – (937) 544-5553/(937) 544-2951
OVCTC: Mike Parker – (937) 544-2336
NAE: Billy Bloom – (937) 386-2516
NAHS: Deirdre Mills – (937) 386-2528
PES: Sarah Louiso – (937) 587-2611
PHS: Marla Jones – (937) 587-2681

#Strivefor5 #EveryDayCounts #AttendanceMatters #LearningTodayLeadingTomorrow