Miller Elementary Newsletter
November 2021
MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL MATA
Happy November! Thank you for participating in conferences a few weeks ago. Our staff appreciates partnering with you to support your students' growth. If you haven't already signed up for ParentSquare, please make sure you do this (info below) so you don't miss important information from our school.
A few key events this month:
-November 5: Spirit Day - Mismatch Theme
November 11: No School - Veterans Day
-November 12: No School - Staff Work Day
-November 16 - Picture Retake Day
-November 24-26: No School - Thanksgiving Break
Our Parent-Teacher Team will be sending out a Spirit Wear order form soon. Please keep an eye out for it in the Tuesday folder if you're interested in ordering a shirt, hoodie, etc... Our next PTT meeting is December 7th at 5:00 via Zoom. We hope to see you there.
Below, you'll find other important information from our district. Please reach out to our office if you have any questions.
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 16: Picture Retake Day
- November 11: No school - Veteran's Day
- November 12: No school - Staff Work Day
- 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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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.
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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 ParentSquare or on the school website!
Follow us on our school website: https://miller.salkeiz.k12.or.us/ or you can find us on Facebook @MillerMammoths .
Call us at 503-399-3332
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.