COLUMBIANA EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT

THE PLACE TO BE!

JOSHUA DIXON ELEMENTARY

333 North Middle Street

Columbiana, Ohio 44408

(330) 482-5355

BACK TO SCHOOL NEWS 2023

JOSHUA DIXON ELEMENTARY

ENGAGE•EMPOWER•EDUCATE

Joshua Dixon Elementary and Preschool offers a family-friendly environment, provides a safe and nurturing school climate, and is dedicated to children and families, as well as, to the personal achievement of every student. Joshua Dixon Elementary, in partnership with the entire school community, provides a strong foundation to meet the demands of an ever-changing society. We aim to ensure every child is challenged, prepared, and empowered to become a resilient, lifelong learner, who contributes to society. 

Visit our website below under documents to view our full mission, vision, and goal statements:

https://www.columbianaschools.org/o/joshua-dixon-elementary

IMPORTANT LINKS also found in documents on our webpage:

Dixon Mission/Goals 2023-24 https://5il.co/21ku1

District Academic Calendar 2023-24 https://5il.co/21kuf

Dixon Time Schedule 2023-24 https://5il.co/21kur

Dixon Handbook 2023-24 https://5il.co/21kuv

Dixon Supply Lists 2023-24 https://5il.co/1ur3m

WELCOME AND STAFF CHANGES

Mrs. Miranda Avnet-School Psychologist

Mrs. Kelly Dangler-Fourth Grade Math Teacher

Mrs. Emily Aikens-Resident Substitute Teacher/Long-Term Substitute

Mrs. Sara Rapp-Moving from 2nd Grade to 1st Grade

Mrs. Kelly Sauerwein-Paraprofessional/Aide

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023

PLEASE NOTE-DUE TO PRIVACY CONCERNS, WE WILL NOT BE POSTING CLASS LISTS. PARENTS/GAURDIANS WILL RECEIVE THAT INFORMATION ON OPEN HOUSE NIGHT.



Aug. 21 Opening Day for STAFF ONLY

Aug. 21 PreK-4 Open House Night 5:00-6:30/Bus Drivers will be avail.

Aug. 22 Staff In-Service Day-NO STUDENTS

Aug. 23 First Day of School for Grades 1st-4th

Aug. 23-25 PreK ELA Testing by Appt.-Sign-up at Open House

Aug. 23-25 Kdg. KRA Testing by Appt.-Sign-up at Open House

Aug. 28 First Day for Preschool & Kindergarten

Aug. 31 Emergency, AUP, & Consent Forms-DUE.

Sept. 1-Sept. 4 NO SCHOOL-Labor Day Weekend

Sept. 5 Classes Resume

Sept. 7-9 Annual Street Fair

Sept. 8 District Pep Rally (info./details coming soon)

Sept. 11 Flags at Half-Staff-Patriot Day (9/11 remembrance)

Sept. 11-15 Grandparents Muffins in the Morning (info./details coming soon)

Sept. 11-29 Fall NWEA Growth Map/Fluency/Dyslexia Testing/ (ELA/Math)

Sept. 11 Afterschool Program begins (info./details coming soon)

Sept. 15 Pirate Day in the Cafeteria-Students may dress-up

Sept. 18-22 Fall Book Fair

Sept. 18 Family Literacy Night (info./details coming soon)

Sept. 19-20 Individual and Group Pictures (schedule coming soon)

Sept. 22 Pregame Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for Stadium Restoration

Sept. 30 Stadium Restoration Fundraiser (info./details coming soon)

Oct. 6 All Pro Dads-7:30am

Oct. 6 Interims

Oct. 9-13 Fire Prevention Week-Visit from Columbiana Fire Dept.

Oct. 12 Parent-Teacher Conferences (sign-up at Open House)

Oct. 13 NO SCHOOL

Oct. 20 Pink Day-All Donations will go to the Joni Abdu Cancer Center

Oct. 22 Pancake Breakfast-Meet our Clipper Sports Teams

Stadium Fundraiser

Oct. 23-27 Red Ribbon Week

Oct. 23-27 3rd Grade Ohio State Test-ELA

Oct. 27 End of the 9-weeks

Oct. 27 Fall Fun Day-2:00

Oct. 27 Trunk or Treat-5:00

Oct. 28 PTO Parent Night Out Fundraiser

Oct. 30 Begin 2nd 9-week Grading Period

PTO Meetings

Dixon 6p.m.

September 5, 2023

October 3, 2023

November 7, 2023

December 5, 2023

January 2, 2024

February 6, 2024

March 5, 2024

April 2, 2024

May 7, 2024

If your child is in need of a backpack or school supplies, please contact the school office at 330-482-5355.

SCHOOL HOURS

Office Hours

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Teacher Start Time

8:10 am

Student Arrival

8:10-8:25 am

Breakfast

8:10-8:25 am/8:25-8:30 Grab-n-Go     

Tardy Bell

8:25 am        

Morning Preschool

8:30-11:15 am 

Afternoon Preschool  

12:15-3:00 pm

Bus Riders to Daycare

3:00 pm  

Walkers/Car Riders Dismissal   

3:00 pm     

Bus Riders Dismissal                  

3:10 pm

Teacher End Time

3:20 pm  

Afterschool (begins Sept. 11th)

3:00-5:00 pm M-TH NO Friday    

REMINDERS



ABSENCE NOTICES: State law requires that we contact parents of any child that is not in school on a particular day. As a result of this we are again requesting that you call the office by 10 a.m. This call will help us out greatly and we won’t have to bother you. A note needs sent in upon your child’s return. If he/she visited the doctor’s office that note will suffice. Drs. offices may fax school excuses to 330-482-5358. Please do not text, call, or email your child's teacher without also notifying the office. Communication with the school office is a priority and should always be your first line of communication regarding absences, changes in transportation, etc.

DRESS CODE: Students may wear shorts to school; however, they must reach the child’s fingertips when standing with their arms at their sides (this guideline should be followed for skirts as well). Strap and halter tops are not permitted. Tank tops need to have wide sleeves on the shoulder and fit tightly under arm. No flip flops!

FORMS: During the first few weeks of school, there are quite a few papers that are sent home that need to be completed and returned to school in a timely fashion. Please take the time to complete all forms and return them promptly.

Recess Schedule

K  Recess  11:30-11:50

2^nd Recess   11:50-12:10 

1^st  Recess   12:10-12:30            

4^th  Recess   12:30-12:50

3^rd Recess   12:50-1:10

Back to School Tips:

The lazy days of summer make the routine of school easy to forget. As thrilled as many parents may be that school will soon be starting, keep in mind that your child can also be excited and anxious. He/She will need extra support and encouragement. Here are some tips that may help parents make going (back) to school easier for their children. 

• Remind your child that he/she is not alone in feeling anxious during the first day of school. Talk to your child about school. Your attitude toward school will definitely help your child get excited about learning.
• Before school starts, ensure that all the paper work has been done in order to avoid any confusion and extra stress during the first day of school.
• Be sure to adjust bedtime so your child gets plenty of rest.
• Make sure you provide your child with healthy breakfast, lunch and snack choices. This will keep up energy levels.
• If your child has any allergies (especially food allergies) make sure that the school is aware of them, and is prepared for any allergic reactions.
• We offer ways to keep informed and involved during the school year such as our Parent Volunteer Program and PTO. Feel free to contact your child's teacher to find out ways you can help out.

Our school handbook will answer many questions that arise over the school year. Remember to share your own school experiences with your child. You can visit the Columbiana Public Library for "Back to School" books that spark conversations with your child and questions he/she may have. Feel free to visit the following website for more ideas on making this transition a positive one for your family.

Tips for Back to School

BUSING, DROP OFF, DISMISSAL

and VISTOR PARKING

• Taking a different mode of transportation home requires PRE-APPROVAL from the TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR (Leslie Best 330-692-9178) if request involves bussing AND a written note that has been signed and dated by the parent is required if the change involves car pick-up. If a child does not have a note, he/she will go home by their regular means of transportation. All notes must have a date, name, address, and contact number of the person picking up the child or the place where he or she is to be dropped off.
• In emergency situations, you may call the school to arrange a different mode of transportation. We do ask, however, that you only call in emergency situations.
• If you must call, we ask that you please do so before 11:00 a.m. so that we have ample time to ensure all requests can be accommodated. The office is your first line of communication. Feel free to let your child's teacher know as well, however, those notifications will not be honored unless the office was informed.
• In the morning, if you are dropping off your child PLEASE be aware of the cars behind you. Pull up as far as you can, to allow others to be dropped off as well. All students under the awning are expected to exit so that another batch of cars can pull up.

ARRIVAL ROUTINE

Arrival procedures for bus riders will be the same as previous years. Buses ONLY will pull in the back. Car Riders will be dropped off along the front of the gym sidewalk. If parents pull all the way up to the flag pole, multiple students can get out of cars simultaneously and walk to the front door.

Students wanting breakfast should arrive between 8:10-8:25 am. Students coming in after 8:25, will be offered a grab-n-go breakfast and head directly to their classrooms. There will be plenty of adult supervision. Preschoolers attending in the morning may arrive via bus or front drop-off and will either need picked up at 11:15 or take the bus home. Preschoolers attending the afternoon session will need dropped off at 12:15 or come in via the mid-day bus run. Teachers will be sending home more information soon. PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE DROP-OFF LINE TO WALK YOUR CHILD TO THE PRESCHOOL DOOR. 

The front line is the ONLY way you should be using to drop off your child. For the safety of students and staff AND to allow our buses the right of way, please do not use the side lot for drop off. If you choose to do this, please know that you may be detained for some time as that is the way the buses pull in, and they have the right of way. This is the same for afternoon pick-up. If you choose to park in the side lot, please do not park along the curb AND again, know that the buses will block the entrance and exit from time to time as kids are loading and un-loading. If a problem persists the lot will be blocked off.

BUS DRIVER REQUEST: PLEASE REMOVE OBJECTS HANGING FROM STUDENT BACK PACKS. WHEN THEY WALK DOWN THE ISLE THE ITEMS ARE SWINGING INTO THE FACES OF OTHER STUDENTS AND THEY DON’T WANT THE ITEMS TO GET CAUGHT ON THE HANDRAILS WHILE EXITING THE BUS.

DISMISSAL ROUTINE:

On Open House Night (Monday, August 21 5:00-6:30) each family will be receiving 2 CAR CARDS per student. If you need additional ones, please call the office. The card is to be placed on your dash or car visor (somewhere visible in the front of your car).

Cars are then to enter off of North Middle St. from Stanton-making a right into the front parking lot and PULLING UP TO THE FLAG POLE AND THEN EXIT MAKING A RIGHT ONTO NORTH MIDDLE. We do make 2 dismissal lines so those pulling in from the left will be in the second line. Once dismissal begins the second line can form. An adult on duty will walkie the teacher for the student on the name card to come to the lobby and get straight into your car. We appreciate and want to thank you ahead of time while we work with the children through this procedure, especially those new to it.

Please do not block the entrance on N. Middle across from the library lot as buses use this access point. Additionally, please do not park in the side lot and wait for your child. There are numerous safety concerns in doing so.

It will take some time for students get used to the process, especially PreK and K students. Your patience and understanding is appreciated. Dismissal may be a bit slower once Preschool and Kindergarten students begin on Aug. 28.

THIS PROCESS WORKS, AND IS SAFE, BUT IS NOT FOR THE IMPATIENT. 

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

THURSDAY OCTOBER 12th

Sign-ups for Parent-Teacher Conferences will be in classrooms on Open House Night. If you will not be attending Open House (Monday, August 21, 2023 5:00-6:30), please feel free to contact your child's teacher to set up a conference.

CAFETERIA INFORMATION

Menus and Cafeteria Information can be found on our website by clicking the

DINING icon or the link below.

https://columbianak12.nutrislice.com/menu/menus-eula

Payment: Columbiana Schools offers Pay For It.

You may add money to your child's school lunch account conveniently online…

• PFI manages Student Lunch Accounts
• Purchases & balances can be reviewed online
• Parents can fund student accounts online
• Kitchen cashiers can verify students through online pictures, take payment from student accounts, and inform students of their balances
• PFI can auto-replenish accounts and/or send an automated letter/email

Additional details will be sent home soon.

Payment for school lunches will be done on the Pay for It register. Students have established accounts and can make deposits to the accounts at any time. Parents can also monitor student lunch history by requesting a printout. 

Menu: The menu will change monthly. The trays will be prepared with a main dish, side dish/vegetable, fruit and milk. Students will be able to purchase homemade cookies for $0.35. If your child does not like what is being served, he/she should bring a packed lunch to school as alternative choices are limited. See menu prices and selections.

Breakfast: Breakfast is available until 8:25 a.m. Money for breakfast should be added into the student’s account same as lunch. Those who get free lunch also receive free breakfast. See menu for prices and selections. A grab-n-go breakfast will be available for students that may arrive tardy (8:30-8:40) and still need to eat.

Beverages: Carbonated beverages tend to “explode”. Please send juice or other non-carbonated beverages or buy milk in the cafeteria.

Peanut Free Zone: As a precaution for students with severe nut/peanut allergies, no oils or foods with peanuts or peanut butter will be used or offered by the cafeteria kitchen. You can still pack your child’s lunch w/peanut butter as the lunchroom will be carefully monitored with peanut free seating available.

Outside Lunches: Outside lunches are not encouraged. We have had students share outside food with other students and this could be an issue especially if the other child has severe allergies.

Cafeteria pricing for the 2022-2023 school year as follows:

Milk $ .50

Lunch (Dixon) $2.75

Reduced price $ .40

Breakfast (All Buildings) $1.00

Reduced price $ .30

FREE AND REDUCED APPLICATIONS WILL BE SENT HOME ON OPEN HOUSE NIGHT AND/OR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. PLEASE FILL-IN AND RETURN PROMPTLY.

RED RIBBON WEEK THEME DAYS

October 23-27

The following drug prevention themes have been chosen for our 2023 Red Ribbon Celebration. To help children make a strong, “no drug use” commitment they are encouraged to take a visible stand against drugs by participating in the daily themes. Grade-level D.A.R.E. lessons will also be presented by our Columbiana Police Department School Resource Officer

Monday October 23, 2023        “I’m a Jean-ius-I’m Drug Free”                      Blue Jean Day        

Tuesday         October 24, 2023        “Drugs Stink”                                                Crazy Sock Day

Wednesday    October 25, 2023       “HAIRS” to a Drug Free Life                        Crazy Hair Day     

Thursday       October 26, 2023       “I’m Tickled Pink that We Don’t Do Drugs”   Pink Day     

Friday             October 27, 2023         “Hocus Pocus Drugs are NOT my focus”     Fall Fun Day

                  Participation is optional.               

FALL FUN DAY

October 27, 2023

All students and staff are invited to participate in our Annual Fall Fun Day on Friday October 27, 2023. The students will change into costumes at 1:45 p.m. with the Annual Parade of Costumes beginning at 2:00 p.m. Weather permitting the parade will be outside. Please make sure your child’s costume is in a bag and labeled with his/her name. Please DO NOT send props like guns, swords, etc. with costumes, this includes no masks that are gory. Due to limited changing areas and time, your child should be able to put on and take off his/her costume independently and over top of clothes.  Following the parade, PTO will be providing a treat for students to enjoy. Parents wanting to take students home after the parade will need to sign them out in the classrooms. 

FALL FUN DAY PARTICIPATION IS OPTIONAL. 

IF YOU WOULD RATHER YOUR CHILD NOT PARTICIPATE PLEASE SEND A NOTE TO HIS/HER TEACHER.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CLIPPERS APP

The Clippers app is how the district and buildings communicate important information to families. Follow the steps listed below to make sure you receive notifications from the district, individual school buildings, and/or school departments.

In order to receive NOTIFICATIONS, you will have to go to SETTINGS and choose whom you would like to receive notifications from. BE SURE TO CHECK COLUMBIANA SCHOOL DISTRICT as that is what you are going to receive closure notifications from.

The Clippers app icon is a white circle with the Clipper C in the middle of it. Please follow the steps below on your smart phone.

The start of a school year would not be possible without many "behind the scenes" folks. I would like to thank those responsible for a smooth transition back to school.

• Mrs. Buchheit for preparing the office space, checking in orders, enrolling students, and so much more.
• Mrs. Costal for the ever-changing student medical updates.
• Mr. Earl for the technology orders, installations, and preparation for the school year.
• The Entire Dixon Staff, Teachers, Aides... classroom prep is appreciated!
• The Kitchen Staff (Mrs. Minamyer, Mrs. Schmidt, Mrs. Day, and Mrs. Pursley) for preparing our kitchen.
• Mr. Roberts and the Summer Custodial Staff-Heidi Cope, Mandy Day, Shawnna Shipley, and Caleb Buchheit. A job well done and very appreciated! The building looks amazing!

Additional Notes of Appreciation

• Pastor Jan Winnale and the Nazarene Church Congregation for their very generous donation toward our Outdoor Learning Center.
• Columbiana Ford-School Supply Donation!
• Thank you to the Columbiana Police and Fire Departments for awarding a couple of our students with a special ride home from school this past spring.
• Thank to Mrs. Moore and all of her helpers. Last spring's programs were a hit!
• Congratulations to last spring's Preschool Grads!
• Thank you to our PTO and our spring Field Day Sponsors!

The safety of your child and all children in our schools, as well as, the safety of the school staff and support personnel is very important to us. In order to maintain a high level of safety, it is necessary that we regularly practice our Emergency Operation Plan safety drills. In addition to monthly fire drills, with the assistance of our local police/fire/ems departments, we will also be having periodic lockdown/shelter-in-place, and evacuation drills (as required/needed). These lockdown drills are not only required by law, but are essential to our children’s safety. Students meet annually with our building SRO to learn about lockdowns and procedures. Similar to fire and tornado drills, lockdown drills are practiced so that in a ‘real’ emergency, students and staff know exactly what they are to do to remain safe. You can find many books on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble, on all levels, regarding lockdown drills. These resources could prompt important conversations with your child. Thank you for trusting us with the safety of your child.

Don't forget to visit the Columbiana Exempted Village Fine Arts Display at this year's Canfield Fair!

We will be doing our best each and everyday by putting forth our finest efforts to keep students happy and healthy! 

If you have questions regarding your child’s education, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or a building administrator at any time. Feel free to visit The Ohio Department of Education website for tips and resources for families at:

 http://education.ohio.gov/Parents

Looking forward to an absolutely amazing school year!

See everyone soon!

Dr. Sharshan

HOW TO GET PRINTED NEWSLETTERS

For those Families who would like a printed version of Dixon's monthly newsletter, please contact Dr. Sharshan via phone at 330-482-5355 ext. 34507 ​or via email at kim.sharshan@columbianaschools.org. The newsletter can also be found on our webpage (under documents) by clicking below.

Visit our Website