Important Dates

September 5th
o No School
September 15th
o Grand Guest Luncheon
September 16th
o Constitution Day
September 14th
o Suzuki Classes Begin
September 23rd
o Wheeler Walk-a-thon
September 30th
o No School
October 3rd & 4th
o No School
October 4th
o Parent/Teacher
Conference Day

Welcome to a new school year

from the Family Connection
Family Resource Center!
Parents if you are seeking holiday
assistance this school year, you
must contact the FRC to receive an
application.
Please call Carmelita Weakley at
313-4555, if you have questions.

A Message from the Principal

Dear Wheeler Families,
What an awesome start to the school year! Your children bring us
such joy! We truly have the best students in the county and we
thoroughly enjoy the challenge of ensuring each and every student
succeeds!
I am often asked by other school leaders, prospective parents, and
sometimes parents of children who attend other schools about the
success and continuous high achievement of our students at
Wheeler Elementary School. My response is always the same and
it is as simple as it is complex:
We have an amazing school community and every
member of our community is a teacher! Our office staff,
custodial staff, cafeteria staff, clerical staff, volunteers,
families AND our instructional staff ALL work together to
teach, lead and guide our students toward success!
Our vision is EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY! A short, but
powerful statement that articulates our commitment to the
academic, social and emotional wellbeing of each and every
student. Our vision guides every decision and every action.
Our school is a Professional Learning Community made up
of numerous collaborative teams! The growth and learning
of a Wheeler student is never the responsibility of just one
teacher! All of our teachers work as a member of a high
performing professional team. They collaborate to ensure
ALL Wheeler students receive the same curriculum with the
same level of expectations for mastery. They collaborate to
analyze student work and they work together to meet the
intervention and enrichment needs of each learner.
These statements capture the essence of what we believe and what
we do. Thank you for being a part of our TEAM and as always,
thank you for sharing your children with us.
Respectfully,
Penny Espinosa, Principal

Meet Our Team

Hello Wildcats,
I am excited to start another great school year at Wheeler. If you are new to Wheeler I
feel it will not take you long to understand exactly what makes Wheeler such an
amazing place for students to learn and grow. It is refreshing to work in an
environment where students are treated with such dignity and where they are pushed
every day to expand their horizons in an effort to maximize their potential. I look
forward to working with you and your student this school year. If I can ever be of
assistance please dont hesitate to call on me.
Josh Meredith
Assistant Principal
Joshua.Meredith@jefferson.kyschools.us

My name is Jody Foreman and I have been at Wheeler since 1990. I spent 13 years as a
classroom teacher working mostly with 4th and 5th graders. For 13 years now, I have
worked as the school guidance counselor. Some of my many duties include screening
and processing special education referrals. I also act as Wheelers special education
chairperson overseeing meetings and individual education plans. It is my honor to
provide classroom guidance throughout the school year to all classrooms. Some topics
covered include safety, bullying, responsibility, respect, empathy, and goal setting.
From time to time, I also organize and facilitate small focused guidance groups. These
topics have included, making friends, managing our feelings, and anxiety. I have many
students who either see me weekly for individual counseling or are set up with me for
check in meetings. In the coming weeks, I am organizing and planning the Advance
Program Placement test for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. This lasts over two weeks in
October and is open to those parents interested in this testing feedback. There are
many other assorted opportunities I have to assist students, teachers, and parents in
partnering and insuring that each students educational, social, and emotional needs
are being met. Feel free to reach me by email (jody.foreman@jefferson.kyschools.us)
or phone (502-485-8349).

Friendly Faces from the Office

Angie Coleman

Laura Moates

Janet Johnston

Julie Thomison

I am the Family Resource Center (FRC) coordinator at Wheeler and Fern Creek
Elementary Schools. The FRC is provided to all students and families of Wheeler in an
effort to help remove the barriers that can prevent a student from success. Some of the
specific resources include health services, mental health counseling, holiday assistance,
tutoring information, basic needs, after school clubs/activities, and parent workshops.
Please contact me at (502) 313-4555 if you need information of a specific resource and
I will be glad to provide assistance.
Carmelita L. Weakley, BSSW
Coordinator Family Connection Family Resource Center

My name is Carla Abati and I have the pleasure to serve Wheeler Elementary for the
third year as a school guidance counselor. It is a privilege to work with Wheeler
students, parents, and staff. My goal is to be a good listener to your child and provide
guidance that supports academic, social, and emotional growth. Wheeler provides a
wonderful, educationally engaging, exciting and safe community for all students. I am
proud to be part of the Wheeler team that encourages, develops and supports each
childs story for success. Please feel free to contact me.

Keeping our School Safe and Clean

Rhonda Jewell

Onolyne Mwavita

Rhonda Freeman

The Wheeler Watch D.O.G.S. Program needs You!

WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) - is the father involvement initiative of the National Center for
Fathering that organizes fathers and father figures in order to provide positive male role models for the
students and to enhance school security.
Who are Watch D.O.G.S.? Fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, uncles, and other father figures who
volunteer to serve at least one day a year in a variety of school activities.
Our Watch D.O.G.S. kickoff will be scheduled soon. We hope to have a HUGE turnout just like in years
past. You can still sign up to be a Watch D.O.G. by visiting the school and signing up on the calendar or by
calling the school to let us know the day you would like to volunteer.

FREE PIZZA

Did You Know?

Did you know that none of Wheelers bus riders change
buses at a depot? All of Wheelers buses take students
directly home and many of our bus riders are home while
we are still loading car riders into cars at school!

Box Top Bonanza

Our first Box Top Bonanza day will be Friday, October 21.
Please put each set of 50 in a marked baggie labeled with your
name and "50" with a sharpie. For every baggie of 50 turned
in, your name will be entered into a drawing for a
$25 Visa card.
Congratulations to Ms. Audia, driver of Bus
1126 the Puppy Dog Bus. She has been
named the Superstar Bus Driver for the
month of August.

In a separate bag turn in any Campbell's Soup labels. We also

collect soda tabs for the Ronald McDonald House.

Hey fourth graders! See

Americas natural wonders and
historic sites for free.
You and your family get free access to hundreds
of parks, lands, and waters for an entire year.
Follow this link to get your free pass and find
out more about the program:
https://everykidinapark.gov/

Advance Program Testing

Advance Program testing will be held for grades 3, 4, and 5 during
the first two weeks of October. Recommendation for Advance
Program placement is determined by the test score, student GPA,
and a teacher evaluation. The AP testing results will be made
available during January. Parents of 5th grade students may want
their child to retake the Advance Placement test since some
optional/magnet middle schools require a minimum Cognitive
Ability (AP test) score of 24.
A detailed overview of the selection criteria may be obtained by
emailing the school counselor at
jody.foreman@jefferson.kyschools.us

September 20th is
HIGH ATTENDANCE
DAY!
Every student who is present on
September 20th will receive a
cool treat and their name will go
into a drawing for a
FREE bike.

2016-2017 Parent Handbook Highlights PLEASE READ!

Dismissal 3:40 P.M.
ALL Wheeler staff members are involved in ensuring a safe dismissal each day. ALL Procedures are
designed to maintain the safety of each and every student and will be enforced.
Very Important Note:
Parents must select ONE primary mode of transportation from school which will be entered into the
schools computer system. CHANGES IN TRANSPORTATION ON ANY GIVEN DAY MUST BE MADE PRIOR
TO 3:00 P.M. Office staff cannot ensure that communication of a change in transportation is given to all
adults involved in the dismissal procedures when received after 3:00. This policy is for the safety of all
students and will be enforced.
Walkers
Walkers MUST live within ONE mile of the school and must walk to their residence. Students are not to
walk to a parked car. School staff cannot ensure students are getting into the correct car and this creates
an extremely unsafe environment. Parent/Guardians must present a written route the student will walk
home. Kindergarten students must be escorted by an adult.
Car Riders Afternoon Dismissal
Cars should enter and exit the property using Chenoweth Park and Pentel Lane only. Right and left turns to
and from Mary Dell Lane to Chenoweth Park are not permitted. If arriving from Cynthia, turn onto Sprig,
which leads directly to Chenoweth Park. Please do not block our neighbors driveways. Car Riders will be
issued a number that must be hung from the cars rear view mirror. Students will not be loaded into a car
without an official Wheeler Car Rider tag. Car Rider tags are supplied and registered through the front
office. Please see the detailed Traffic Procedures located in the back of the parent handbook for very
specific procedures for arrival and dismissal. FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL, STUDENTS ARE NOT TO LEAVE
THE FRONT DOORS EVEN WITH A PARENT-UNTIL AFTER THE SCHOOL BUSES HAVE LEFT THE
PROPERTY! ALL CAR RIDERS MUST BE PICKED UP BY 4:00 P.M. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Bus Riders
Bus Riders are loaded onto their buses beginning promptly at 3:40 P.M. Buses pull off the property by 3:50
P.M. ALL traffic is STOPPED while students are SAFELY loaded onto their buses. No cars are to drive
around the bus circle while students are loading buses!
Permission to go home with another student: NO student will be permitted to go home with
another student without permission of BOTH childrens parents. Permission MUST be received by
front office staff prior to 3:00 P.M.
Early Dismissal of Students (prior to 3:30 P.M.)
Early dismissals cause interruption to the academic process and will affect the students attendance
record. Every effort should be made to avoid leaving school before dismissal. Students who leave
school any time before 3:40 P.M. must be signed out in the front office.
If your child must leave school prior to the end of the instructional day, please send a note to your
childs teacher so they can have the students things ready for the end of the day. Preparing for the
dismissal of a student during instructional time is an interruption to the learning of the entire
classroom.
Students will be dismissed from the office only and the adult picking up the child MUST show a
picture ID and be a custodial parent or identified by a custodial parent as an approved adult for pick
up on the childs enrollment form.
Physician notes must be provided to the school in order for late medical arrivals or early medical
dismissals to be excused.

Car Rider Procedures for Morning Arrival

The gate will open at 8:15 and will close at 9:00 for morning arrival.
Students will be allowed to enter the school beginning at 8:30.
1) If you arrive after the gate is closed you will need to use the main entrance.
2) Vehicles are to enter and exit the property using Sprig, Chenoweth Park and Pentel Lane. Right and left turns to
and from Mary Dell Lane to Chenoweth Park are not permitted. Take Cynthia to Sprig which leads directly to
Chenoweth Park.
3) Please do not block intersections or driveways.
4) All car riders must be dropped off at the designated student drop off area only.
5) Car riders should be dropped off by 8:55 AM.

Please note Morning Arrival

Wheelers School day begins at 9:00 a.m.
Doors open for students at 8:30 a.m. each day
Students who are not in their classrooms at 9:00 are marked as tardy to school.
Dont forget that students need time to go to their lockers before going to class.
Car riders and walkers should arrive at school by 8:45 in order to eat breakfast.

Need to Reach Us?

School Phone: 485-8349
School Fax: 313-3555

Office Staff
Mrs. Penny Espinosa, Principal
penny.espinosa@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mr. Josh Meredith, Assistant Principal
joshua.meredith@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Jody Foreman, Guidance Counselor jody.foreman@jefferson.kyschools.us
Ms. Carla Abati, Guidance Counselor
carla.abati@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Carmelita Weakley, FRC Coordinator carmelita.weakley@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Angie Coleman, School Secretary
angela.coleman@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Laura Moates, Attendance Clerk
laura.moates@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Janet Johnston, Bookkeeper
janet.johnston@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Julie Thomison, ECE Clerk
julie.thomison@jefferson.kyschools.us

Kindergarten
Ms. Diana Davidson
Mrs. Megan Bratton
Mrs. Brittney Brown
Ms. Jennifer Williams

diana.davidson@jefferson.kyschools.us
megan.bratton@jefferson.kyschools.us
brittney.brown@jefferson.kyschools.us
jennifer.williams4@jefferson.kyschools.us

First Grade
Mrs. Kim Baker
Mrs. Melissa Boam
Mrs. Heather Fagan
Mrs. Julie Heard
Mrs. Kristine Reger

kimberly.baker@jefferson.kyschools.us
melissa.boam@jefferson.kyschools.us
heather.fagan@jefferson.kyschools.us
julie.heard@jefferson.kyschools.us
kristine.reger@jefferson.kyschools.us

Second Grade
Mrs. Robin Berry
Mrs. Jeni-Rebecca Geoghegan
Mrs. Kristine Reger
Mrs. Leslie Scherer
Mrs. Susan Wead

robin.berry@jefferson.kyschools.us
jeni-rebecca.geoghegan@jefferson.kyschools.us
kristine.reger@jefferson.kyschools.us
leslie.scherer@jefferson.kyschools.us
susan.wead@jefferson.kyschools.us

Third Grade
Mrs. Brandi Barker
Ms. Megan Bunker
Mrs. Kristin Finck
Ms. Tiffany Higgs
Mrs. Patricia Masters

mary.barker@jefferson.kyschools.us
megan.bunker@jefferson.kyschools.us
kristin.finck@jefferson.kyschools.us
tiffany.higgs@jefferson.kyschools.us
patricia.masters@jefferson.kyschools.us

Fourth Grade
Mrs. Jackie Brown
Mrs. Angela Chambers
Mrs. Sarah Holman
Mrs. Jane Williams

jackie.mallory-brown@jefferson.kyschools.us
angela.chambers@jefferson.kyschools.us
sarah.goff@jefferson.kyschools.us
jane.williams@jefferson.kyschools.us

Fifth Grade
Mrs. Randi Ballard
Mrs. Kari Corsi
Mrs. Lorie Hafling
Mrs. Shasta Hoback

randi.ballard@jefferson.kyschools.us
kari.corsi@jefferson.kyschools.us
lorie.hafling@jefferson.kyschools.us
shasta.hoback@jefferson.kyschools.us

Instructional and ECE

Ms. Andrea Burns, ECE Teacher
Ms. Olivia Elmore, ECE Teacher
Mrs. Tina Gardner, ELA Interventionist
Mr. Kelly Graybeal, Goal Clarity Coach
Mrs. Amy Jeziorski, ELA Interventionist
Mrs. Rachel Lacap, Speech-Language Pathologist
Mrs. Tarah Matthews, ECE Teacher
Mrs. Agnese Smith, ECE Teacher

andrea.burns@jefferson.kyschools.us
olivia.elmore@jefferson.kyschools.us
tina.gardner@jefferson.kyschools.us
kelly.graybeal@jefferson.kyschools.us
amy.jeziorski@jefferson.kyschools.us
rachel.lacap@jefferson.kyschools.us
tarah.matthews@jefferson.kyschools.us
mary.smith4@jefferson.kyschools.us

Special Areas
Mrs. Marcia Creek
Ms. Karen Kinnard, Practical Living
Mrs. Sara Manchak, Theatre Arts
Mrs. Julie McGinnis, STEM Lab
Mrs. Kristin Peimann, Library
Mr. Reinaldo Rodriguez, Spanish
Mrs. Rozy Snider, Art

marcia.toole@jefferson.kyschools.us
karen.kinnard@jefferson.kyschools.us
sara.manchak@jefferson.kyschools.us
julie.mcginnis@jefferson.kyschools.us
kristin.peimann@jefferson.kyschools.us
reinaldo.rodriguezfreyre@jefferson.kyschools.us
rozella.snider@jefferson.kyschools.us

PTA
Wheeler PTA
Wheeler PTA Volunteers

WheelerPTA@hotmail.com
WheelerPTAVolunteers@gmail.com

Wheeler Elementary School

5700 Cynthia Drive
Louisville, KY 40291
Phone:
502-485-8349
Fax:
502-313-3555

Remind101 provides a safe way for our

school to text message families and stay in
touch with parents.
Because Remind101 is a service, your
number will always remain hidden. Sign
up by texting or visit the website for more
information.
Wheeler is on Twitter!
Follow @WheelerElem to make sure you dont
miss any updates about all the wonderful things
going on here at Wheeler. Mr. Meredith also has a
twitter, follow @CoachMeredith to check it out!
The JCPS Parent Portal is a secure Web site that you can use to track your child's
progress in school. The goal of the Parent Portal is to create a better partnership
and dialogue between JCPS parents and teachers. We hope that you will use it
regularly and become a partner with us in your child's education.
To get signed up for parent portal please visit:
http://www.jefferson.k12.ky.us/Parent/ParentPortal/index2.html . Once signed
up there is a parent portal app available for both Android and Apple devices.

Everyone knows what Facebook is,

but did you know Wheeler had a page?
You can find our page at www.facebook.com/WheelerJCPS . We will
be posting events, information and photos from school.