Our WACO Staff Shoutout this week goes to Eric Merida : JH/HS Custodian
💬 Read what one parent had to say about Eric:
"Shout-out to Eric Merida for his incredible heart and compassion for students. A few years ago, Eric advocated to bring E-Sports to WACO, giving students a new and meaningful and additional avenue for belonging—something every student needs. Eric leads with empathy and understanding, always going above and beyond to make sure each team member feels included. He supports students in ways that honor their individuality while keeping the spirit of the team at the center. His calming presence creates a safe space where students can truly thrive. Thank you, Eric, for everything you do—both in front of and behind the scenes!"
As a reminder, you can submit a shoutout here:
https://forms.gle/ryxw63QNCEQrtkdMA
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/wacoelementaryschool1
💬 Read what one colleague had to say about Chad:
“Mr. McClanahan has worked so incredibly hard to make sure our students, families, and community could come together and celebrate reading this month! We are so thankful for Mr. McClanahan and his leadership on WACO Families Read. Not to mention, he's an awesome teacher, too! We are very lucky to have Mr. McClanahan. He helps make WACO Elementary the BEST SCHOOL EVER!”
As a reminder, you can submit a shoutout here:
https://forms.gle/ryxw63QNCEQrtkdMA
Please click on the link for more info https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/wacoelementaryschool1
“The Book Fair is just days away! The Fair encourages students to read AND raises much-needed funds for our school. The easiest way for kids to pay is with an eWallet. Create one for your child so they can shop cash free and independently! Visit our school homepage to get started: https://scholastic.com/bf/wacoelementaryschool1"
email Mrs. Scott with any questions amber.scott@wacocsd.org
Book Fair will be open Tuesday 4:00-6:30 prior to the orchestra recital
💬 Read what one colleague/parent had to say about Shelby:
“Mrs. Salow is new to WACO this year and boy did we hit the jackpot! She is kind, calm, patient and so very caring. As a coworker, I have the pleasure of watching her work with our students. She treats each one like I am sure she does her own. Mrs. Salow helps her students feel safe, smart, and special on a consistent basis. It is obvious that Mrs. Salow was meant to be a teacher. Any parent would be fortunate to have a child in her class. I am so thankful Mrs. Salow is a Warrior!”
As a reminder, you can submit a shoutout here: https://forms.gle/ryxw63QNCEQrtkdMA
WACO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
200 S MAIN ST
CRAWFORDSVILLE, IA 52621
Get ready–the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! Find bestselling series and characters that students love from more than 100 publishers. Plus every purchase benefits our school. We hope you can join us for the Best. Week. Ever!
Prepare for the Fair:
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/wacoelementaryschool1
We previously shared information about Open Enrollment at WACO Community School District — and we don’t want you to miss these important deadlines!
Families choose WACO CSD for a supportive, student-centered learning environment where academic growth, strong relationships, and strong community values thrive — all made possible by our incredible community support.
Why WACO?
📅 4-Day School Week – Added flexibility for families while maintaining high-quality instruction
🌾 Hands-On Learning Opportunities – Featuring our new Eichelberger Farms Agri-Science Center
🏆 Positive & Supportive Climate – Proud to be named an Iowa Top Workplace, reflecting the strong culture we’ve built for staff and students
🎓 Considering Open Enrollment?
Get started here:
👉 https://www.wacocsd.org/page/open-enrollment
📣 Open Enrollment Deadlines:
• Grades 1–12: Applications due March 1
• Kindergarten & Special Education Preschool: Applications due September 1
💬 Already part of the WACO family? Share in the comments why you chose WACO Community School District! We heard from a few of you previously — and we’re so grateful for those who shared. We would love to hear even more testimonies from our WACO families! Your story could help another family make their decision.
We can’t wait to see our school filled with Olympic spirit! 🥇✨
Hi Families! Join us tonight from 5:30–7:00 PM at the Elementary in Crawfordsville as we celebrate our month of reading Mr. Popper’s Penguins!
We’ll have:
🍽️ A small meal
🐧 Penguin-themed activities
🏅 Fun Olympics-themed games
📖 A celebration of reading together as a school community
We can’t wait to see our WACO families there for a fun evening of literacy and learning! 💙✨
💬 Read what one colleague/parent had to say about Amy:
“Amy is at school early each day to help out with the supervision of children in the WACO Elementary gym. She is also in the lunchroom every day helping with seating, condiments, opening containers, getting students items they may forget, washing tables, excusing kids for bathroom breaks, helping scrape trays, etc. I know she loves each student, including my son, like her own and she always has a smile on her face and a positive thing to say. My son adores her and I am so grateful that she is with him every day.”
As a reminder, you can submit a shoutout here:
https://forms.gle/ryxw63QNCEQrtkdMA
WACO Families Read in February
WACO Elementary students and their families are reading the classic book Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater. Activities at school are coordinating and promoting the shared reading experience that students are getting at home.
The benefits of reading aloud to children are remarkable. Studies have shown that reading to children helps them listen better and develop comprehension skills, build bigger vocabularies, feel positive about both books and learning, and it’s a great way to spend quality time together!
Students at school are currently participating in activities planned around the book and the Winter Olympics including dress up days, reading buddies, finding hidden penguins, Olympics classroom countries, Family Literacy Night on February 19, and at the end of the month a wrap-up celebration with different penguin and Olympics-themed games and activities.
Interested in becoming a WACO Warrior?
Families choose WACO Community School District for a supportive, student-centered learning environment where academic growth, strong relationships, and community values thrive—made possible by our unbelievable community support.
Why WACO?
📅 4-Day School Week – Offering families added flexibility while maintaining high-quality instruction
🌾 Hands-On Learning Opportunities – Including a brand new Eichelberger Farms Agri-Science Center
🏆 Positive & Supportive Climate – Proud to be named an Iowa Top Workplace, reflecting the strong culture we’ve built for staff and students
🎓 Considering Open Enrollment?
Learn more and get started here:
👉 https://www.wacocsd.org/page/open-enrollment
📣 WACO Open Enrollment Deadlines
• Grades 1–12: Applications due March 1
• Kindergarten & Special Education Preschool: Applications due September 1
💬 We want to hear from YOU!
If you’re part of the WACO family, comment below and tell us why you chose WACO Community School District. Your story might help another family make their decision!
Our WACO Staff Shoutout this week goes to Michelle Fedler: Preschool Teacher/Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
💬 Read what one parent had to say about Michelle:
“She does such an amazing job with all her students talks, listens, and supports them. She treats her kids like they are her own!! My daughter loves going to her class and if she could tell me about her day it would be full of wonderful things!”
As a reminder, you can submit a shoutout here:
https://forms.gle/ryxw63QNCEQrtkdMA
In an effort to help families plan ahead, we want to notify you that WACO Community School District will operate on a 2-hour delay on Monday, January 19th, due to predicted cold weather conditions and the potential for blowing snow throughout the evening.
We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we make adjustments to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students and staff.
Thank you for your continued support.
💬 Read what one parent had to say about Kelsey:
“Kelsey is truly amazing and has exceeded my expectations not only as a teacher, but also as a person and a friend. She has been incredibly supportive during a very difficult time in my life and consistently shows genuine care and dedication to my kid. Her compassion, kindness, and commitment mean more to our family than words can express.”
As a reminder, you can submit a shoutout here:
https://forms.gle/ryxw63QNCEQrtkdMA
WACO Families,
WACO CSD will dismiss at 1:00 p.m. today, December 11th, due to forecasted weather conditions. All evening activities and all practices are cancelled, and school buildings will remain closed for the remainder of the day.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
