The Partnership for Violence Free Families (PVFF) is offering a parenting class called "Guiding Good Choices." This program encourages, reinforces and teaches skills to parents that can help children make healthy choices. This program is for caregivers of children ages 9-14 and there is a $50 incentive for completion of the program. More details in this flyer. For more information contact Joann at 419.549.8530 ext. 11 or jrosengarten@pvff.org.

Social media is a great tool for communication. However, a recent study shows that too much use is linked to depression. The average person spends two-hours every day on social media and TEENS are spending up to NINE HOURS each day on social platforms.
A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania measured the effects of social media use on mental health, and the impact on feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression and self-esteem. 

The Shawnee Optimist Club is sponsoring their annual Pass, Dribble, and Shoot Contest on Sunday, January 20^th, at 1:30 PM.  The event is in the Shawnee High School Lappin Gymnasium, doors open at 12:45 with easy registration for boys and girls ages 8 to 13. Shawnee Boys and Girls Basketball teams will be assisting with the event.  This contest is the only one of it’s kind in a tri-county area, and Elida student athletes are welcome to participate and compete. Each participant receives a free t-shirt!

Westwood Tennis & Fitness Center will be hosting a free tennis program for middle school students age 12-14, every Sunday, January 13-March 3. Stop by the middle school office for more information. 

Important reminder: it's important that we have current contact information from parents and guardians. It is especially important that we have up-to-date phone numbers in the event of an emergency or sick child. IF YOU HAVE A NEW PHONE NUMBER, OR ADDRESS, CALL 419-331-4155 and you can use this LINK make updates to continue to receive Voice & Text Alerts. Thank You! 

The annual Spring for the STARS Vendor and Craft Fair will be held on Sat., March 9th from 10:00-4:00pm in the high school gyms. This event helps to support our elementary STARS program. There are many vendors who participate with great items at great prices, plus giveaways, prizes and more. We are accepting vendor contracts until February 22nd. Use this VENDOR CONTRACT to sign up. For more information, contact Nicole Oen at noen@elida.k12.oh.us 

Looking ahead to the school year, here are the dates for testing periods in all grade levels. ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE for the 2018-19 School Year