Swanson Elementary
Planting the Seeds of Learning
Message from the Principal September 13, 2021
Greeting Families,
This is a special edition newsletter to keep everyone up to date on current changes and expectations to keep Swanson Safe and Open for all our students.
In regards to South Entrance Pick up: If you are walking to the door to pick up your students we have 3 options for you:
- If you are a family walking from your home please go to the front of the building, ring the doorbell, announce your name, student name and teacher. We will page down your child to go home after 3:30.
- If you are picking up early for an appointment. Please park in the front lot, go to the front of the building, ring the doorbell, announce your name, student name and teacher. We will page down your child to go home.
- If you are driving to Swanson to pick your child up please make sure you have signed up with School Dismissal Manager. Have your green tag in your car and proceed through the South Entrance pick up line.
Thank you all for understanding. This will keep our sidewalk clear from cars to pull forward and move our line along faster. Please pull all the way forward to the signs that have been installed. We can move traffic faster off the Glenn Highway working together as a team.
In Partnership and Support,
Mrs. Halfacre
Proud to be a Title 1 School
Being a Title 1 school is very important as it supports our funding for online learning programs, staff, and parent engagement events. We qualify for Title 1 based on our Free and Reduced Lunch count and Migrant Education enrollment. Please see the links below for more information to enroll or apply now.
Thank you in advance for supporting Swanson!
FREE & REDUCED MEAL PROGRAM
Parents can submit applications to enroll their student(s) in the free and reduced meal program. Applications should be submitted annually and may be completed online through SchoolCafe or via a printable application. Paper applications cannot be submitted via email or fax, but must be submitted to the student's school or directly to Nutrition Services (690 E Cope Industrial Way, Palmer, AK 99645).
The application process will require the following information be provided:
- Total household size
- Income for all household members (Income guidelines are available here)
- Student name(s)
- Additional information that is helpful, though not required, includes the student's birth date, enrolled school, and MSBSD ID number
Questions regarding the application process can be directed to (907) 861-5100.
Migrant Education Opportunties
1.) free swimming lessons
2.) 1/2 off sport fees
3.) Free books/magazines
4.) Free or reduced lunch
and much more....
Qualifications are NOT based on family income. (see below flier)
School Dismissal Manager
We follow what School Dismissal Manager tells us not what students tell us. Please make sure it is accurate daily. Please do not call or email your child's teacher to change plans. All plan changes occur within School Dismissal Manager. Charisse in the office is always happy to help if you have problems with it.
Parent Visitors and Volunteers
Thank you in advance for your support and understanding.
No Bus Day~Friday September 17, 2021
Swanson will send out a separate email for pick up procedure on Thursday. AM drop off will remain the same. Only Swanson drop off on the South Side and those who normally ride the bus will be dropped off in the bus loop. We are doing our best to keep siblings together. Thank you for your patience during this time.
Mitigation Plans and Operation Levels for each school:
Nurse Hazel
Dear Parent/ Guardian,
According to the school guidelines, students who are ill must stay home, particularly if they have COVID-19 symptom(s).
● Fever or chills
● Cough
● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
● Congestion or runny nose
● Sore throat
● New loss of taste or smell
● Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
● Headache
● Muscle, joint, or body aches
● Fatigue
● Other: ________________________
The symptoms listed above may be symptoms of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). It is recommended you contact your medical provider to determine if testing is advised and follow the CDC guidelines recommended below:
1. Stay home except to seek medical care.
2. Call ahead before visiting your medical provider.
3. Separate sick child as much as possible at home from others.
4. Monitor symptoms.
5. Wear a mask if around others, including pets.
6. Cover coughs and sneezes.
7. Clean hands often.
8. Avoid sharing personal household items.
9. Clean all “high touch” surfaces daily.
For additional guidance visit the CDC or Alaska DHSS online. Local COVID-19 testing centers can be found at: https://coronavirus-response-alaska-dhss.hub.arcgis.com/app/2d92b77bc8044329a1ee3954b063bd8c
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention:
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face
* This list is not all possible symptoms. Call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
For your child to return to school, one of the following criteria must be met:
1. Present a clearance note from your medical provider to return to school if symptoms are related to another medical condition or a chronic medical condition. Please have your provider document the condition is not related to COVID-19.
2. Present a negative COVID-19 test, have no fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications, and have improvement of their symptoms.
3. If your child is not tested for COVID-19 or is not released by a medical provider, your child must stay home for a minimum of 10 days. Your child may return when the 10 days have passed, have no fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications, and have improvement of their symptoms.
4. If your child is positive for COVID-19, your child must stay home for a minimum of 10 days. Your child may return when the 10 days have passed, have no fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications, and have improvement of their symptoms. Please contact the school nurse as soon as possible if your child tests positive for COVID-19.
Please contact the school nurse for clearance to return to school.
Our top priority is to promote the health and safety of all students, staff, and the community. Please contact your child’s school nurse if you have any questions regarding these guidelines. Sincerely, Hazel O’Neill Román, BSN, RN School Nurse, Swanson Elementary Phone: (907) 861- 5300/ (907) 861- 5318 (Direct) hazel.oneillroman@matsuk12.us
Picture Day!
Synergy
School Hours 9:15 AM – 3:45 PM
Office Hours 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
507 N Gulkana Street
Palmer, Alaska 99645
(907) 861-5300 Telephone
(907) 861-5380 Fax
Don't forget!
Our doors open at 9a.m. to greet students
Log into School Dismissal Manager before 2:45pm with any changes to end of day transportation or call the office
Click here for School Dismissal Manager instructions
Click here for free and reduced lunch application
Click here to see if you qualify for Migrant Ed opportunities
Swanson Elementary
Email: swe@matsuk12.us
Website: matsuk12.swe
Location: 501 North Gulkana Street, Palmer, AK, USA
Phone: 907-861-5300