MWE Update-April 30, 2025
Miami Whitewater Elementary Parents & Guardians -
As April comes to a close, we’re reflecting on what a busy and exciting month it has been here at MWE! From classroom projects to spring events, our students have been engaged, learning, and growing every day. As we head into the final stretch of the school year, we want to keep you informed about important upcoming dates, celebrations, and ways to stay involved.
Retirement Update – We have several teachers, administrators, and/or related service providers retiring at the end of the school year. Please help us congratulate the following educators for the thousands of students and families they have impacted over the years:
- Mrs. Toni Ange – Second Grade
- Mrs. Stephanie Bennett – Intervention Specialist
- Mr. Randy Carter – Head Custodian
- Mrs. Karen Stephens – Occupational Therapist
- Mrs. Judy Campbell – Head Cook
- Mr. Dave Kelly – Assistant Principal
Mr. Kelly would like to share the following message with you:
It is time to relax and enjoy my new grandson and go fishing! In other words, after 5 years of teaching 7th grade science and coaching High School football at Winton Woods and 28 years as an administrator in Southwest, I am retiring. I started my Southwest career as the principal at Hooven Elementary and Elizabethtown Elementary. I then became the principal of Miamitown Elementary and finally the past 4 years as the Assistant Principal at MWE. I wish everyone the best! Hope the fish are biting and my new grandson likes naps!
New Assistant Principal – Mrs. Lindsey Long will be taking Mr. Kelly’s place as the Assistant Principal at Miami Whitewater Elementary next school year. Mrs. Lindsey Long, a 2005 graduate of the University of Cincinnati, spent a majority of her career in a neighboring school district as a Spanish teacher. She began her teaching career in 2006 and quickly established herself as a passionate and dedicated educator. She came to the Southwest Local School District in 2022 as the Dean of Students at William Henry Harrison High School. In 2023, she was promoted to the role of Assistant Principal at William Henry Harrison High School. She has been instrumental in improving student attendance, discipline, and academic progress at the High School. Mrs. Long is a true servant leader who understands our district’s values, culture and goals. She has built strong relationships with students, families, and staff. She is dedicated to fostering an environment that supports both student achievement and the professional growth of staff. Mrs. Long will be collaborating with MWE teachers, staff members, and Mrs. Neckel throughout the summer to prepare for her new role at the Elementary level. To learn more about Mrs. Long, click her bio HERE.
Third & Fourth Grade Music Show – The 3rd & 4th graders will be performing tonight at the Harrison Activity Center tonight at 7:00pm. We’re so excited for you to see the hard work and talent our students have been preparing to share. Thank you for supporting our Music program and Mr. Frye, our Music Teacher!
Teacher Appreciation Week – May 5-9 is National Teacher Appreciation Week! This is a special opportunity for us to show our amazing teachers just how much we value all the hard work, dedication, and care they bring to our students at Miami Whitewater Elementary every day.
If you'd like to participate, here are a few simple ways to get involved:
- Have your child write a thank-you note or draw a picture for their teacher.
- Send in a small treat, snack, or school supply item.
- Join our PTO efforts— Mrs. Nicole Matheny (PTO Hospitality Chairperson) has organized the following:
- Monday ~ Coffee treat
- Tuesday ~ Snack treat
- Wednesday ~ Teacher Survival Kit gift
- Thursday ~ BBQ Luncheon
- Friday ~ Donut & Coffee treat
Every little gesture goes a long way in making our teachers feel appreciated. Thank you for helping us celebrate the heart of MWE—our teachers!
School Fees - As we approach the end of the school year, we kindly remind you to settle any outstanding school fees. Please be aware that unpaid fees will continue to accumulate. Additionally, new fees will be applied in the Fall, so we encourage you to take care of any balances as soon as possible to avoid further accumulation. If you have any questions about your account or need assistance, please contact Miss Kelsey Dwenger at kelsey.dwenger@southwestschools.org or by calling (513) 367-5577. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and for your continued support!
Thanks, Nurse Barb! – National School Nurse Appreciation Day is May 7, 2025. Nurse Barb Simpson plays a vital role in keeping our students healthy, safe, and supported every day. From administering first aid to managing chronic conditions and offering comfort when it's needed most, she truly a hero in our school community! Please help us recognize Nurse Barb’s efforts next Wednesday and EVERYDAY!
Parent Connext Academy– Beech Acres is offering a FREE parenting workshop designed to help you navigate the challenges of raising children in a digital world. This may be especially helpful with summer right around the corner & kids potentially being on tablets and smart phones more throughout the day. For more information, click HERE.
Shower with Kindness – Our annual “Shower with Kindness Drive” is coming soon. Harrison High School student leader, Kayla Morris, has taken on the project and will be collecting items May 5-9. This will allow them time on May 12 to collect items from each building, sort the items, and redistribute items back to each building. Collection bins will be located in the MWE cafeteria. For more information, please click HERE. It takes a village to help those in need!
Library Update – This is the last week that the library will be open for the school year. All library books are due back by May 5th. Please reach out to our Library Facilitators, Mrs. Becky Meckstroth or Mrs. Erin Phillips, with any questions about books or materials that your child has missing or is unable to return.
MWE Field Day – Field day will be May 22 at the Harrison HS Athletic Complex & turf field. We have a variety of fun activities planned throughout the day. This year, PTO is offering a bundle for students to purchase. The $5 includes a t-shirt, shaved ice, and a water balloon. You can buy your bundle online via Membership Toolkit or Venmo (click here for the QR code) or send in cash with the order form that was sent home. Contact PTO if you need financial assistance miamiwhitewaterpto@gmail.com Our rain date is May 27, 2025. Fingers crossed that we won’t have to postpone!
Upcoming Dates:
April
30 3rd & 4th grade Music Show 7:00 at AC
May
2 Kindergarten Field Trip
2 First Grade Field Trip
5 - 9 Teacher Appreciation Week
6 PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM
7 School Nurse Appreciation Day – Thanks, Nurse Barb!
7 Student Banking
12 PBIS Basketball Assemblies
13 5th grade Olympics
13 Fourth Grade Field Trip
16 Cat Store
19 Teacher Inservice Day - (no school for students)
20 Second Grade Field Trip
21 Student Banking Bike Giveaway
22 Harrison HS Grad Walk 9:15am
22 Field Day & PTO Walk-a-Thon
26 Memorial Day - No School
27 Field Day & PTO Walk-a-Thon (Rain Date)
Harrison High School Graduation Ceremony
28 Last Day of School for Students
5th Grade Graduation
29 End of Second Semester - No School for Students
30 Teacher Records Day - No School for Students
** 2025-2026 SAVE the DATE:
- MWE Open House – August 12th (Time TBA)
- First Day of SCHOOL!! – August 14th
