Welcome to the 2026–2027 School Year! Dear WR Students, Families, Staff, and Community, I am honored to welcome you to the 2026–2027 school year! Whether you are returning to our halls or joining us for the first time, you are an important part of the Blue Devil family. We are excited for the opportunities, growth, and accomplishments that await us. As a 6–12 school community, we have a unique opportunity to support students through an important and exciting chapter of their lives. From our youngest middle school students taking their first steps toward high school to our seniors preparing for their next adventure. These chapters provide us with opportunities to create meaningful learning experiences, strengthen connections, and build an environment where students are inspired to reach their full potential. Throughout the year, we will continue to build upon the traditions that have defined our school community. From Friday night lights and athletic events, extracurricular activities, academic programs and accomplishments, and the everyday moments that bring us together. These traditions help create a sense of belonging and pride. At the same time, we will embrace new ideas, new opportunities, and new ways of learning that prepare our students for the future. To our students: challenge yourselves, take advantage of every opportunity, support one another, and never be afraid to dream big. To our families: thank you for your continued partnership and support. And to our dedicated staff: thank you for the passion, care, and commitment you bring to our students each and every day. Together, let’s make 2026–2027 a year filled with learning, growth, achievement, school spirit, and unforgettable memories. I am incredibly excited about what this new school year will bring. Most importantly, I am excited to see what our Blue Devils will accomplish together. Let’s continue the traditions. Let’s create new ones. And let’s make this our best year yet! Go Blue Devils! Michael Gorby Western Reserve Local Schools Principal 6-12 330-547-0805 mgorby@wrls.k12.oh.us PROGRESSBOOK • Please continue to use Progress Book Parent Access at https://parentaccess.access- k12.org/district to view your son’s/daughter’s grades online. This is a great resource so that parents can stay current on student attendance and grades. LUNCH ACCOUNT • Lunch account numbers will be the same as last year. Any money left in your account from last year will be carried over to this year. If you wish to prepay for lunches, go to www.westernreserve.k12.oh.us. Payments may also be made by check. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS • Please visit the following ODE link for important information regarding graduation requirements: 2023 & Beyond Graduation Requirements • Mrs. Matos can explain how these new requirements will affect each student and give a clear explanation of how points are calculated and tracked to ensure graduation. SPRING TEST WINDOWS 2027 School districts select 15 consecutive school days, including makeups, within each test window. • English language arts - March 29, 2027 - April 30, 2027 • Mathematics, science and social studies - April 5, 2027 - May 14, 2027 ATTENDANCE. • One item to remember is beginning with the fourth unexcused tardy, the progressive discipline will begin. • When a student is absent, the family must call the school, 330-547-4100 (Option #3), between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. to report the student's absence. • If you are unable to call during these hours, please call any time during the day that you can and leave a message for the 6-12 building stating who you are, the child’s name, and the reason for the absence. • In order to participate in or attend an athletic event, practice and/or an extracurricular activity, a student must be in school on the day of the event all day. If absent, a full or partial day student must have a doctor’s note to participate. • Types of absences: o Excused o Unexcused o 7:35-8:00 a.m. Tardy. o Arrival/Departure after 8:00 a.m. counts as a partial absence. • Attendance is tracked by hours and is monitored on a regular basis. Warning letters will go out as students reach thresholds in accordance with Ohio School Attendance laws. It is important that students are in attendance everyday to reach their fullest potential. CELL PHONES • Students who bring cellphones to school are to keep them powered off and in student lockers during school hours (7:35-2:35). Student cellphones are NOT to be used in the classrooms during school hours. Students are NOT permitted to use cellphones in the hallways, restrooms, locker rooms or lunchroom. Students with Smart Watches may NOT use them for text and call communication purposes. Teachers may ask students to remove them while testing. Violations will be addressed in the same manner as cell phones. MORNING STUDENT DROP-OFF • Car riders can now enter the school building at 7:20 in the front entrance and they must report to the cafeteria or Gym until 7:28 when dismissed to classes. This has been done in order to minimize the traffic buildup in the drop off zone in front of the school in the morning. AFTER SCHOOL PICK UP • If you are picking up a student after school in the front of the school please pull as far forward as you are able to. There are some days when traffic backs up and we would like to keep that build up to a minimum.