Greetings! 

As principal of W. H. Kirk  Middle School, it is my pleasure to welcome you to a new school year. To all our students, new and returning, welcome back! I am excited about working with the W. H. Kirk Middle School teachers and staff to collaborate and plan for a successful school year. I have high expectations for myself, my staff, and my students. I believe that every child can learn with appropriate support in place. It takes a village to raise a child, and I am counting on the teachers, staff, parents, and the community to work together to raise our children to be world-class citizens.    At W. H. Kirk, we will continue to focus on making our school mission the core of our daily work with all students. A new school year presents opportunities for various beginnings – new classes, new faces, and new courses.  We have some awesome new initiatives and changes that I can’t wait to discuss with you.

To kick off the school year, here is a brief list of Important Dates:  

• First Day of School-Monday, August 21st

• East Cleveland city schools back-to-school celebration: Saturday, September 2, 12:00-4:00pm   

• W. H. Kirk Middle School Open House- Thursday, September 14th from 4:00pm-6:00pm

The school day at W. H. Kirk Middle School begins at 7:40 am and ends at 2:40 pm.  The doors open for Breakfast at 7:15 am.  Breakfast is served from 7:15-7:35 am.  Instruction begins at 7:40 am and ends at 2:40 pm. Students are marked tardy beginning at 7:40 am. Students are not allowed to enter the school building after 10:30 am without a doctor's excuse. To maximize instructional time, early dismissals are discouraged. Teachers will send letters home concerning classroom expectations and forms for parent/guardian signatures.  Please also reference our school webpage regarding school supplies.  

All students are expected to be in school on time each day. Good attendance is important and sets the standard for good habits. If your child is absent from school, please call our attendance office the morning of the absence at 216-268-6611. A written absence note is required when your child returns to school.

To maximize instructional time, cell phones should be out of sight/out of mind during class time. Most teachers collect cellphones at the beginning of class and redistribute them at the end of class.  Students have access to computers during school time and therefore; do not need an additional electronic device.   At W. H. Kirk  Middle School, we are preparing students for the world after middle and high school. Students should select clothing per the School Dress Code. As such, school is a formal place and students' clothing must be indicative of that.  As an emphasis, students are not allowed to wear shorts, midriff tops, cutoff or ripped jeans nor are students allowed to wear open toed shoes or slides.  

Due to the numerous issues (fighting over snacks, pouring juice out in the hallway, students stealing others snacks, snack debris ruining computers, etc.) with students bringing in snacks, we will continue with our no outside snack rule.  

Students in grades 7 and 8 are allowed to participate in sports.  In order to participate in sports, students must have an up to date physical.  Students must also be academically and socially sound in order to participate.  The sports that are available for participation at Kirk is as follows:

• Football

• Soccer

• Volleyball

• Wrestling

• Cheerleading

• Track

• Girls and Boys Basketball

If you have any questions or concerns about anything at all, please reach out to us at any time. All information, flyers, field trip information, and newsletters will be sent via email, on our app, and  posted on our Social Media platforms. If you have not already done so, please sign up for Progress Book so that your child’s grades can be monitored at all times.  Also, please make sure we have your updated email address.   This will help keep the lines of communication open and will foster a better relationship between home and school

I hope this letter is informative and answers some of your concerns and/or questions. We will distribute additional district and school information at the back-to-school celebration and/or the first week of school. If you need more information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 216-268-6611.  

Best Regards,  

Consuela Townsend

Mrs. Townsend

W. H. Kirk Proud Principal