Weddle Elementary
November 2021
MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL LUND
Now that we are two months into school, it feels like we are getting into some routines of our new “normal.” Our new normal is a lot of things, including our return to a regular length school day from the shortened days last year, continued safety measures like distancing and masks, and of course, our new start time. Our staff continues to work hard to support students in all of these new routines, and show our care for students each day. I am so proud of our staff and the work they do every day.
7:50 Start Time
Our new start time has been something to get used to! Especially now that it is darker in the morning, it is tough to start the day so early. A reminder that class begins at 7:50. Students should be in the building, in class by that time. Doors open for breakfast at 7:30, and students can head to class at 7:35. Students may be dropped off as early as 7:20—there is adult supervision out front starting then.
Next week we are starting an incentive program for all classes and they can work toward earning a class prize together when students are on time to school. We have done something similar in previous years with daily attendance. We hope this will encourage students to get going a little quicker in the morning to work with their classroom community on earning a prize together.
A quick reminder of our arrival times:
7:20 Students can be dropped off at school
7:30 Students go into breakfast
7:35 Students can enter front of building and go to class (if not eating breakfast)
7:50 Bell rings for class to start. Students start entering through the front door and are marked tardy. (They can still go to breakfast.)
Arrival procedures
Thank you for your understanding as we have developed routines around car drop off. Here is the procedure we have developed that is most safe and efficient at drop-off.
- Between 7:20-7:50, pull car all the way up to the farthest spot along curb before dropping off. (Right behind the previous car.)
- Drop off in the area past the crosswalk. (Dropping off before the crosswalk slows down the process of moving forward…we have tried it!)
- After 7:50, staff will guide cars on how far to pull forward, depending on how many cars are still there.
Thanks for your help getting students safely to school!
Stacey Lund
Weddle Principal
KEY DATES:
November 11 - Veteran's Day, No School
November 12 - No School
November 18 - Picture Retakes
November 24 - 26 Thanksgiving Break, No School
December 2 - Pajama Day
December 3 Grading Day, No School
December 20 - 31 Winter Break, No School
Attendance Calls
503-399-3604
PARENTSQUARE
We are excited to introduce ParentSquare, a new two-way communication platform that will streamline and improve communication with families and staff. It has the functions of both Remind and SchoolMessenger and will eventually replace both platforms. It also includes appointment scheduling options, which may be very helpful for conference sign ups.
It is very important that parents keep their contact information current.
Be sure to let your school office know if you have a new address, email or phone number.
The parent or guardian marked as the primary contact in the student information system will receive automated communication.
Messages will also be sent to the student’s home phone number contained in the database, if different from the primary contact phone number.
Weddle is using ParentSquare to communicate with families regarding district and school based information. Need to sign up? Download the ParentSquare app or visit ParentSquare.com. You can also call our school office to get an invitation sent to you.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND ANTI-RACISM
The first resolution of its kind was developed through collaboration with district staff, leadership, community feedback and engagement.
At its meeting Tuesday night, the Salem-Keizer Public Schools Board of Directors voted 4-2 to approve a resolution recognizing the board and district’s commitment to equity and anti-racism. One board director was absent. It is the first time a resolution of its kind was introduced in SKPS.
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SALEM-KEIZER PUBLIC SCHOOLS LAUNCHES NEW COVID-19 DASHBOARD
With nearly 41,000 students in our schools amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, safety and well-being of our students, families and staff is, without question, our highest priority. Open communication and transparency play critical roles in safety and we want to ensure you have accurate and timely information on how COVID-19 is impacting our schools.
Covid-19 Data Dashboard
We have officially launched our COVID-19 data dashboard for the 2021-22 school year. Please know that this dashboard is still ongoing further development and may continue to have minor tweaks and improvements over the coming weeks.
You can learn more about our COVID-19 investigation and communication process, on our new online dashboard webpage.
Remember, COVID-19 impacts us all daily. It is critical that we follow all recommended health and safety protocols such as vaccination, wearing a face covering, hand-washing and maintaining physical distance both while in school, and out in the community.
Thank you for all of your ongoing support as we continue to improve our processes and work together to keep our students, staff, families and community safe.
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Reminders About Traffic Around Our School
It’s a new school year and a good time to share a few reminders about traffic around the school.
Students, parents, buses, staff and school neighbors all share the same travel routes through the neighborhood to and from the school. Peak travel times can create congestion and increase the need for safe and courteous travel practices.
Here are a few ways parents can help us create a safe, respectful and positive environment when driving near the school:
- Please drive slowly. Remember, the speed limit in a school zone when lights are flashing is 20 miles per hour.
- Please don’t park in neighbors’ driveways at any time, even if the driveway is open.
- Don’t block streets, stop in intersections or crosswalks, and please obey crossing guards’ instructions.
- Remind children to stop and look both ways before crossing streets, and to respect neighbors’ property – for example, don’t make shortcuts through neighbors’ yards.
- When lining up to pick-up or drop-off students, leave at least three feet of space between your car and the nearest driveway opening.
- Avoid lining up early for pick-up or drop-off to help minimize congestion.
- Don’t drive in bus lanes, even if no buses are present.
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AMERICAN/ALASKAN NATIVE CELEBRATION 2021
Join us in celebrating American Indian Alaskan Native Month in November at the American Indian Alaskan Native Celebration 2021.
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ALL STUDENTS GRADUATE PREPARED
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SCHOOL CALENDAR
KEY DATES:
- November 11: No school - Veteran's Day
- November 12: No School
- November 24-26: No School - Thanksgiving Break
- November 1-30: In-District Student Transfer Application window
- December 3: No School - Grading Day
- December 20-31: No School - Winter Break
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IN-DISTRICT STUDENT TRANSFER APPLICATIONS OPEN NOVEMBER 1-30
Students who want to attend a school other than their assigned school may apply for an in-district transfer (IDT) between November 1–30, 2021. This includes elementary, middle, high school and students who would like to transfer to the EDGE online program.
If your student already has an approved IDT, you do not need to fill out the application.
There is no guarantee a transfer request will be approved. Students attending school on an IDT are not eligible for bus transportation. IDT applications received after November 30, 2021, will not be considered.
In-district transfer request forms can be picked up at your student’s assigned school. They will also be posted on the Student Transfers page on November 1. The webpage will also include instructions on how to turn in the forms via email, snail mail.
It is preferred that families fill out the forms and drop them off at their assigned schools.
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2021-22 MEAL PRICES: FREE!
PANDEMIC FOOD BENEFITS INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES
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OREGON HEALTH PLAN FREE FOR YOUTH
Through the Oregon Health Plan, youth 19 years of age and younger have access to free health coverage, regardless of immigration status if they meet the income requirements.
More information, including income requirements and how to apply for coverage, is available online.
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HOW DO I STAY CONNECTED?
Read our newest format of the school Newsletter via email, remind or on the school website!
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Download the free ParentSquare App on your phone. ParentSquare - Apps on Google Play
Check your email inbox. Update your email in ParentVUE if it's not accurate.
ABOUT US
Website: yourschool.com
Location: 2450 Lancaster Drive Northeast, Salem, OR, USA
Phone: 555-555-5555
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salemkeizerschools
Twitter: @yourschool