Cassingham Newsletter #16: 11/23/2025

Cassingham Newsletter #16

Dear Families:

During the month of November our school councilors have been teaching about Gratitude. The definition taught is choosing to appreciate the people and things in our lives. During our Thanksgiving break ask your student for an example of Gratitude. 

A Conversation Starter for Your Thanksgiving Break

By Brad Pettit, Director of Technology

While your family is spending time together over the break, there likely will be an opportunity to connect on a topic that’s part of all our lives: our online world.

Just like we talk about how to be a good friend or a kind person face-to-face, it's important to talk about what that looks like online.

We’ve crafted a short activity to help start that conversation. The goal is simply to listen, share, and discuss.

Step 1: Get the Conversation Started

Find a time to chat (maybe on a car ride, while cooking, or after dinner). You don’t need to ask all these questions. Just pick one that feels right for your family.

What are some ways our family can make a positive impact and spread kindness online?

What should someone do if they see a friend, or even a stranger, being treated unkindly online?

Since it’s easy to misunderstand a text or post, how can we be clearer in our digital communication or check in with someone if we’re not sure what they mean?

Step 2: Listen and Share

The most important part of this chat is listening. Give your student space to share their own experiences and perspectives. You might be surprised by their insights!

This is also a great time for parents and guardians to share their own thoughts. The goal isn’t to have all the “right” answers, but to explore the topic together as a family.

Step 3: Talk About “What's Next”

To wrap up your conversation, try to answer this question together:

“What is one small thing we can do as a family to make our online world a little bit better?”

This could be as simple as:

“We'll think before we post.”

“We’ll be an ‘upstander’ – someone who helps – when we see unkindness.”

Thanks for your partnership!

Nyesha Clayton, Montrose Elementary School Principal

Rachel Niswander, Maryland Elementary School Principal

David Schottner, Cassingham Elementary School Principal

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

11/25 - Cassingham Charity Newsies Cub Gathering 10:00 AM

11/26 - 11/28 No School for Staff or Students 

12/2 - 12/12 MAP Reading & MAP Math 

12/19 - End of 2nd Quarter

ANNUAL TEST OF TEXT-MESSAGING SYSTEM IS MONDAY

Bexley Schools will conduct our annual test of our text-messaging system tomorrow, Nov. 24. A systemwide text message to all parents/guardians and staff members, will begin sending at 3 p.m. from School Messenger, our mass communication system. All communication should come from the texting number 67587.

You do not need to reply or do anything after receiving the test message. However, if you do not receive the message by tomorrow evening, then please send an email to info@bexley.us.

Our text notification system needs to be tested every school year. If you have received text messages in previous years, you will likely only receive one test message by text. If you are new to receiving these alerts or if your number has changed in PowerSchool, then you will receive an additional text message saying you are now registered.

Text messaging will only be used to announce delays, cancellations, alerts, or important event information. You can send the message “STOP” to 67587 at any time if you wish to opt out of the text-messaging service.

CASSINGHAM UPDATES

This year Cassingham is implementing a lunch bunch program! This initiative is aimed to promote connection, positive school climate, and sense of belonging. Every participating student will receive an invitation to eat lunch for 30 minutes with a small group of their classmates with a Cassingham staff member. This is a rotation based program. We have a schedule in place to  ensure every participating student will be invited to join a lunch bunch at least once throughout this school year.  If you do NOT want your child to participate, please email Sarah.Marrone@bexley.us.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new Poetry Club for our students, meeting once a week during lunch hour! This club will offer a creative, supportive space for students to read, write, and share poetry, helping to build literacy skills, boost self-expression, and foster a love for language. To make this club a success, we are seeking parent volunteers to help supervise the club during lunch from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM one day a week. Your presence would be invaluable in managing the room and encouraging a positive atmosphere. If you are interested, please let us know.

DRAMA CAMP

Bexley Theatre Arts' annual Grade 1-3 Drama Camp will be held December 1-5 from 5PM-6PM in the Cassingham Complex.  This is a fun, active camp for all students in grades 1-3, and participants will learn performance skills through theatrical play.  Space is limited and students will be accepted in registration order.  You can register by filling out and submitting the Grade 1-3 Drama Camp Registration Form, which is due November 25th.  You can find the registration form on bexleytheatrearts.org or by clicking this link:  Grade 1-3 Drama Camp Registration Form.  An informational email will be sent to participants after registration closes.  Please address questions to rebecca.rhinehart@bexley.us and william.bowman@bexley.us.

DARN HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE

DARN is seeking sponsors to help ensure that all of Bexley’s young people have a happy holiday season! There are three ways you can help:

1) Sponsor a child for the holidays, a gift of $125 per child

2) Donate $25 gift card(s) to Giant Eagle or Kroger ONLY

3) Donate $15 gift card(s) to Main Street Eateries (e.g., Chipotle, Jimmy John's, Penn Station, Piada, Starbucks)

If you are interested in supporting this community effort, please complete the Google Form linked below. Gift cards can be dropped of at City Hall (open M-F only) or at 884 S. Remington Rd by Sunday, December 7th. If you choose to "sponsor a child" a DARN representative will reach out with more information.  If you have any questions, contact Kelly Salmon at kelly.salmon@sbcglobal.net.

Link to sponsor: https://forms.gle/uJLYYeJFhj4DgFj16

FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

The Montrose PTO is thrilled to invite all BCS students to participate in the Bexley Festival of the Arts!

When: Saturday, December 6th, 1:00-4:00 pmWhere: Montrose Elementary

This is a great opportunity for student artists and crafters to sell their creations for the holidays.  All K-12 Bexley students are welcome to apply.  We can't wait to see what our talented students create!

Festivities Include:

K-12 Student Craft Fair

Hot Chocolate Bar and Bake Sale

Spiritwear for sale

Vendor Table Application - Due November 24th 

Mrs. Hispley's Crafter Planning Sheet

HEAD LICE

It is very common for head lice to be a problem in an elementary school setting. Lice is not caused by lack of hygiene. Lice is spread mostly by head to head contact and has been proven to be primarily spread outside of the classroom setting (playdates, sleepovers, etc). It is imperative that parents are proactive about checking their child’s/children’s head(s) regularly, especially elementary aged children. If head lice is present you should notify the parents of any close contacts that your child may have had. Additionally, please inform the school health office immediately, so that we can send out a timely notification.  

If you receive a notification from the school, please check your child’s head at that time and report any positive lice findings to the school health office.  Please contact your healthcare provider or your school nurse for recommendations on treatment.  

Please review Head Lice Procedures for Bexley City Schools as well as links to the science behind this protocol. Please take the time to read the recommendations from the CDC, AAP and NASN.    

CDC 

American Academy of Pediatrics

National Association of School Nurses

How to treat head lice

PETS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

Please remember that some of our students are afraid of dogs and to keep everyone safe we ask that all pets stay on the sidewalks around our school grounds during arrival and dismissal.  Details are included in school board policy.