Salem Spotlight
December 2019
Our Mission
At Salem, we realize all children are individuals, and this may be their first experience in social living. Our desired goal in working with all children is growth.
We strive to create a stimulating environment for each child that will promote and foster his/her interests and curiosity, thus promoting optimal learning. This learning will incorporate the development of academic, relationship, and citizenship skills, a requirement for functioning in our society as productive citizens.
Principal's Message
Dear Salem Township Elementary Families,
As we end 2019, I would like to thank you for your commitment to our School and to the belief in Little Miami Local Schools. The success we have experienced since the opening of the school year owes a great deal to parents/caregivers and families like yours. I wish you a restful winter break and hope you enjoy this time with family and friends. For the New Year, I wish you health and happiness and hope the winter break provides a myriad of opportunities for you and your children to do things you might not be able to accomplish when school is in session. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Lisa M. Smith
From the Desk of the Preschool Director
by Mrs. Losey
I hope everyone has a fun and safe winter break with family and friends. Fun activities and events may be planned, but remember to keep your child on a schedule as much as possible. This will help when they transition back to school after being off for over 2 weeks!
We are excited for more learning in January. See you in the new year!
Follow Us On Twitter
Follow our admin team to check out our #SalemSuperStars!
Mrs. Smith - @LSmithSalem
Mrs. Losey - @LM_PrekPanthers
Mrs. Eckstein - @LEcksteinLM
Mrs. Horvath - @LM_MrsHorvath
Schoology
Have you been wondering how you can stay informed with your child’s school experience? Do you want to know about what is happening in your child's classroom? Salem utilizes a learning management system, Schoology, that will be our one stop shop for our communication this school year.
If you need help in the process please feel free to contact building administration with any questions you might have.
Erin Losey, Preschool Director 513-899-5275 ext. 45103
Lindsey Eckstein, Asst. Principal 513-899-5275 ext. 45102
Jen Horvath, Asst. Principal 513-899-5275 ext. 45101
Lisa Smith, Principal 513-899-5275 ext. 45100
How do I Log In to Schoology?
Save the Dates
by Mrs. Horvath
Report Cards Sent Home
1/10/20
PTO Meeting
1/14/20 7:00 p.m. Room 62
No School Martin Luther King Day
1/20/19
90 Minute Delayed Start
1/27/19
Board of Education
1/28/20 Meeting at the Board Office 7:00pm
#SalemSuperStars
by Mrs. Eckstein
When walking the hallways at Salem, one will frequently see teachers and small groups of students gathered around tables, fully engaged in lessons. From preschool through fourth grade, Salem teachers look forward to this valuable time. Teachers connect with students, build relationships, and are able to help students have "light bulb moments", as instruction is individualized and targeted. Students often report that their turn at "teacher time" is their favorite part of the lesson! Students get direct feedback from their teachers on challenging concepts, and gain confidence, while working with peers. Oftentimes teachers will present concepts in a new way, using manipulatives or visuals. Other times teachers will challenge students, on their level, with literacy and mathematics concepts. Small group instruction is a vital part of the day for #SalemSuperStars!
Helpful Handbook Reminders
Cell Phone Policy
In an effort to decrease interruptions to instruction and maintain student confidentiality, students with cell phones (including watches with phones) must keep them in their backpacks during school hours.
Transportation Changes
Any change in pickup procedures requires a written note or email. Changes may not be made by phone. The office must receive changes by 2:00 P.M. Changes will not be made after 2:00 P.M.
Birthdays
Birthdays are very meaningful for young children and may be recognized by parents in a variety of ways at Little Miami. Some families choose to donate a book or learning materials (i.e. puzzle/game) in their child’s name to the
classroom, or a non-food item (stickers/pencil) for each student.
In our efforts to promote wellness and to be conscious of student food allergies, you may not send food or candy.
Please do not have balloons or flowers delivered to the school. These items may not be taken home on the bus.
Social invitations to non-school sanctioned events (birthday parties, pool parties, etc.) may not be distributed at school.
Curriculum Connection
by Mrs. Meyer
"Right Fit" Books
A "right fit" book is a book that your child can enjoy reading on his or her own. Reading books at the right level helps your child develop as a reader. To find a book that is just the right fit for your child, try using the Five Finger test.
Here's how it works: Turn to a page in the middle of the book. As your child reads, hold up a finger for every word he or she does not know and use the guidelines below.
0 to 1 Finger - Too Easy
2 Fingers - Good Choice for Your Child
3 Fingers - Might Need Help, but Still a Good Choice
4 to 5 Fingers - May be Too Difficult for Your Child to Understand
Counselor's Corner
Core Essentials
Students focused on the Core Essentials value JOY for the month of December. Joy is finding a way to be happy even when things don't go your way. Student Council led each of their classrooms in the spreading of Joy in their classrooms all month with daily challenges. Some of these challenges included: telling a classmate why you appreciate them, playing what someone else wants to play, and really listening to what a classmate has to say.
Transitioning Back to School after Winter Break
Our students experience so many different transitions. One example of a transition is after long breaks from school, many students feel a little anxious about returning to school. Here are some tips that can help prepare your child for returning to school in January after our winter break:
Begin preparations early: Help your child phase in adjustments ahead of time. For example, a few days before the end of break, start setting bedtime routines earlier to help prepare for the transition back to school. This will help them feel rested and ready to return.
Make a list: If your child is feeling anxious about returning to school, create a two-sided list. On one side, list things your child is looking forward to. On the other side, brainstorm things he or she may be anxious about. These lists will start a good conversation and give your child a chance to reflect on past challenges that he or she has overcome.
Stay positive: Your child picks up and sometimes emulates the anxiety and negativity you might be feeling. Be sure to help your child stay positive by you staying positive as well. The old saying “fake it until you make it” may come in handy, as these transitions can be difficult for parents too. As a family, institute making a “gratitude list” and focus on everything that makes you feel grateful.
No matter what the transition, we want to make it as smooth as possible so that each child has a successful school experience.
Supporting Positive Behavior at Home
Be Respectful!
Be Responsible!
Be a Problem Solver!
Click here for for Salem's school-wide leadership posters.
Notes from the Nurses
by Mrs. Knochel & Mrs. Sedlatschek
Let’s fight the flu together!
Your decision to get the flu shot or not goes well beyond you. It also affects the many lives you touch…
Influenza is a contagious disease of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and the worsening of other chronic health conditions. Flu symptoms may include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. The best way to protect your family from new influenza strains is to get vaccinated each year.
The top five most virus-contaminated areas in the home are:
1. Telephones (have you cleaned your cell phone lately)
2. Appliances such as the refrigerator and microwave
3. Faucets
4. Light switch and door handles
5. TV remotes
Follow good health guidelines: eat right, exercise, and get plenty of rest to help boost your immunity to fight the effects of colds and flu. Wash hands frequently, do the elbow cough, and disinfect hot spots at school, work, and home. Treat the symptoms if you must, but avoid giving aspirin to children because it may cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
Enjoy a healthy holiday season!
Quick Links
2019 - 2020 School Hours
8:55 - Doors Open for Students & Breakfast Begins
9:10 - Classes Start
11:50 - AM Preschool & Kindergarten Ends
1:05 - PM Preschool & Kindergarten Begins
3:50 - Student Dismissal
Contact Information
605 Welch Road
Morrow, Ohio 45152
Principal: Mrs. Lisa Smith
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Lindsey Eckstein
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Jen Horvath
Preschool Director: Mrs. Erin Losey
Office & Attendance Number: 513.899.5275
Fax Numbers: 513.899.3196 (Grades 3 & 4) / 513.899.2891 (Grades P & K)
School Website