Salem Spotlight
March 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
When you think of parent involvement, do you picture moms and dads volunteering in classrooms? That is one way to help- but research shows that supporting your child’s education at home is even more important. Here are conversation starters that will help you stay involved.
1. “Let’s see what you brought home.” Look at completed work to find out what your youngster is learning and how well they are doing. You could comment on math work or a social studies project. Respond to notes from the teachers and sign the agenda/planner nightly to let your child know you are aware and home to school communication is important.
2. “Show me what you have for homework.” It is your child’s job to do their homework. Make sure they know what to do by having them explain the assignment to you. After they are finished, glance over the work to see if it is complete.
3. “Describe a book you enjoyed today.” This gives you an idea of what your child prefers to read. Build a daily reading habit by asking what they would like to read before bed. Encourage your child’s reading and listening skills by reading aloud to them and letting them read to you.
4. “Tell me what you learned that you would like to know more about.” Use your child’s interests as jumping off points for activities to share. If they like geometry you might hunt for shapes together. If you child is fascinated by how animals adapt to winter, take them to the library to research the subject or to the zoo to see live animals.
We love your children! Thank you for sharing them with us.
Sincerely,
Lisa Smith
From the Desk of the Preschool Director
by Mrs. Losey
Spring weather is coming, it's time to get outside and play!
Playing outdoors is a form of exercise that promotes well-being and wholesome physical development. Children are naturally drawn to active play outdoors: it allows them to explore their environment, develop muscle strength and coordination, and gain self-confidence. Playing actively outdoors also increases flexibility, fine and gross motor skills and is related to the development of a wide variety of physical skills, including those involved in sports.
Children have a great need for physical exercise and activity and a chance to use their muscles to run, swing, jump, skate and ride a bike, and to be out in the fresh air and sunshine (appropriately protected from the sun's rays, of course). They like to use their whole body when they play outdoors, and find such physical activities interesting and challenging.
https://www.fisher-price.com/en_GB/parenting-articles/outdoor-play/the-benefits-of-outdoor-play
Save the Dates!
By Mrs. Miles
General
4/19/19-4/22/19: No School
5/4/19: District Fine Arts Festival
5/7/19: No School (Teacher Inservice)
5/13/19: Kindergarten Field Day
5/16/19: 3rd Grade Field Day
5/17/19: 4th Grade Field Day
5/23/19: End of 4th Quarter
5/23/19: Last Day of School
PTO Dates
4/9/19: PTO Meeting 7:00pm
4/27/19: PTO Carnival
5/14/19: PTO Meeting 7:00pm
Other
4/1/19-4/18/19: 3rd and 4th Grade AIR ELA
4/23/19-5/3/19: 3rd and 4th Grade AIR Math
4/25/19: 3rd Grade Museum NightHelpful Handbook Reminders
by Mr. Taylor
DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION DISCIPLINE PLAN
The Little Miami Board of Education is committed to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of its school buses. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 3327.014 students riding district school buses may have such bus riding privileges suspended by the Superintendent or other district administrators for a period of time not to exceed 80 days for any violation of the Student Code of Conduct or a violation of the reasonable rules and regulations established by individual school bus drivers. The student is subject to the Student Code of Conduct and bus riding regulations while he or she is physically riding the bus and when the student is at or near a school bus stop.
Students riding district buses are under authority of, and directly responsible to, the bus driver. The driver has authority to enforce established regulations for bus conduct. Disorderly conduct or refusal to submit to the authority of the driver will be sufficient reason for refusing transportation services or suspending transportation services to any student.
SCHOOL BUS DISCIPLINE PLAN
1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
2. Stay in your seat while the bus is moving.
3. Keep hands, arms, feet, and objects to yourself.
4. No eating or drinking on the bus.
5. Respect yourself, drivers, others, and the bus.
CONSEQUENCES
1st Violation: Verbal Warning/ Student/Driver Conference
2nd Violation: Letter/Email/Phone Call/Reassigned Seat
3rd Violation: Administrator Phone Call
4th Violation: Student/Administrator Conference
For serious violations, students may be sent directly to an administrator.
Curriculum Connection
by Mrs. Horvath & Mrs. Meyer
Predict and Read… Choose a book by its cover!
How do we get kids to find that book that they can’t put down? We've all heard the saying "Never judge a book by its cover" but that's exactly what this strategy will help kids do. It will hook them with a little guessing work.
Students who are trying to find that just right book, at times can get overwhelmed. Teach them how to look at a book prior to reading it. When kids take the time to use the information they have from the cover art, the title, or the summary on the back, they have taken the first step to dive into that book. Students can then make predictions based on their prior knowledge about the author, the topic, or the series. Making predictions about a book isn't about testing children's ability at making educated guesses. It's about getting them invested in the reading experience. When your kids take the time to use the information they have from the cover art and title, added to their prior knowledge about the author or series, they've taken one of the most important steps in finding that just right book. Now, go to the library, the book store, or your own book shelves at home and give it a try!
Special's Spot - Library/Media
by Ms. Wilkerson
Students have been working hard in the library, learning about the library system, how to find books, and primary and secondary sources just to name a few. As we are nearing the end of the school year, students have been working on research sources and we will continue with research while also learning about book awards.
We will continue checking out books through April. Around the beginning of May, notes will be sent home with students who still have books out. All books will need to be turned in by May 10th. If you are unable to find your books, you may pay for them. In order to receive report cards on the last day of school, books will need to be turned in or paid for by May 17th. If any books are turned in or paid for after May 17th, your report card will be mailed home.
Right to Read Week will be May 6-10 this year. We are looking forward to reading wonderful books and celebrating reading. More information will be sent home as we get closer to May.
Counselor's Corner
Student Council has been leading each of their classes in activities to practice the Core Essentials trait of Individuality throughout the month of March. Individuality means discovering who you are meant to be so you can make a difference. Activities were focused on highlighting the differences that make each of us unique and finding ways to get to know those things about each classmate.
Career Day for PK and KG and the Career Fair for 3rd and 4th grade are both coming up in April! Volunteers are needed for both days!
Here is the PK/KG Career Day sign up for Friday, April 12:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4AABAE2BA5FF2-career1
Here is the 3rd and 4th grade Career Fair sign up for Thursday, April 18:
Notes from the Nurses
by Mrs. Knochel & Mrs. Sedlatschek
Sleep Needs
Sufficient sleep is a necessity and is being increasingly recognized as an important component of health promotion and chronic disease prevention.
Insufficient sleep can place you at risk for chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. We know that productivity and overall physical and mental health is directly related to getting enough sleep.
- School-age children need at least 10 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period.
- Teenagers need 9-10 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period.
- Adults need 7-8 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period.
Sleep deficits add up! If you are getting even one hour less sleep than you need each night, the deficit you have by the end of the week can be devastating!
Poor classroom performance and behavior issues can be caused by insufficient sleep.
For more recommendations on sleep requirements visit:
CDC / sleep recommendations
Sleep Foundation / Recommendations.
Salem Speed Limit
Main Entrance Information
In an effort to increase student security, Door A2 is no longer a public entrance. Please refer to the information below for directions on which entrance to use.
Proceed to Door A1 for the following:
· 3rd/4th Grade Student Sign In/Out (Photo ID is required to sign out a student)
· 3rd/4th Grade Nurse / Clinic
· 3rd/4th Grade Visitor / Volunteer Sign In
· 3rd/4th Grade Meetings
· Deliver items to a 3rd / 4th Grade Student (lunch, book bag, homework, etc.)
· Deliveries (UPS, Fedex, etc.)
· Substitute Teacher, Aide, etc. Sign In
Proceed to Door D3 for the following:
· PK / KG Student Sign In/Out (Photo ID is required to sign out a student)
· PK / KG Nurse / Clinic
· PK / KG Visitor / Volunteer Sign In
· PK / KG Meetings
· Deliver items to a PK / KG Student (book bag, homework, etc.)
· Fee Payments (PK, KG, 3rd & 4th Grades)
· Student Withdraw (PK, KG, 3rd & 4th Grades)
Transportation Changes
MAKING A TEMPORARY CHANGE
Temporary transportation changes are approved through the main office. Temporary transportation changes may not be made through your child's teacher or the transportation department.
Please submit Preschool and Kindergarten changes to kroseberry@lmsdoh.org
Please submit 3rd Grade and 4th Grade changes to boditt@lmsdoh.org
MAKING A PERMANENT CHANGE
Please click here for information on the procedure for making a permanent transportation change.
Schoology Q&A
Q: How often will my child's teacher add information to Schoology?
A: All teachers at Salem are asked to include at least one Schoology Update per week. Additional updates/materials may be added more frequently depending on the teacher.
Q: Last year I received email notifications when my child's teacher updated information to Schoology. Will I receive notifications this year?
A: Yes! In order to receive notifications to your email or mobile device you will need to adjust your notification preferences under your Account Settings. Please reach out to an administrator if you need assistance with this.
Q: Will I receive any emails from Salem this year, or is all communication strictly through Schoology?
A: Teachers will communicate classroom-specific information through Schoology. Some teachers may choose to communicate via other means (such as Class Dojo), but it is not required. The main office will communicate certain information through Schoology as well. The main office will also send emails for important events (such as party volunteer sign ups, conference invitations, and field day information) throughout the year.
Q: I'm having difficulty logging in on the Schoology App. I was able to use it last year. Why can't I this year?
A: There are several variables that may be the cause of this. You may need to delete and re-install the Schoology App.
Q: Where can I go if I have additional questions about Schoology?
A: Visit the Schoology page on the Little Miami website. You may also contact Mr. Taylor directly.
2018 - 2019 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
Follow Us On Twitter!
Don't miss out on our daily tweets!
Mrs. Smith - @LSmithSalem
Mrs. Losey - @LM_PrekPanthers
Mrs. Miles - @LM_MrsMiles
Mr. Taylor - @MrTaylorLM
Contact Information
605 Welch Road
Morrow, Ohio 45152
Principal: Mrs. Lisa Smith
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Jamie Miles
Assistant Principal: Mr. Cory Taylor
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