Richmond Elementary Newsletter
October 2021
MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL DOUGHERTY
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Dear Richmond Parents,
The 2021-2022 school year is off to a great start and we are so excited to be back in school 5 full days a week! The staff has been busy teaching procedures, routines, behavior expectations and how students can be successful as a Richmond Roadrunner by following the “Three Beeps”. We are always looking for students making good choices and earning Correcaminos or Roadrunner Bucks
There are many factors that contribute to the success of your child in school. Arriving on time and good attendance are two of them. Our school start time is 7:50 and students are expected to be in their seats and ready to go at that time. Anytime you can schedule appointments outside the school day is a huge benefit to your child. Even though students may make up their work when they are absent, there are still many things they miss out on that can never be made up. Of course, if your child is ill, we want them to stay home and get well. Thank you for your support in helping your child arrive on time and maintain consistent attendance.
Parent teacher conferences are just around the corner (Oct. 20th, 21st) and we look forward to all of our parents having the opportunity to conference with their child’s teacher. These conferences are a great way to find out more about your child’s daily routine, classroom expectations and how your child is progressing so far this year. Conferences will be virtual again this year unless you specifically request to meet in person. We will use Microsoft Bookings and you will receive more information on this in just a few days. Attending your parent conference is a great way to get involved with your child’s education and be part of the team that helps your child be a successful learner.
Please plan on attending our virtual annual Title I Parent Information Meeting on Wednesday Oct. 20th at 7:00 pm. A zoom link will be sent out via Parent Square as we get closer to the date. The meeting will be recorded so if you cannot attend, we will send out the meeting link the following day via Parent Square.
I am honored to be the principal of such a wonderful school. Please know my door is always open if you should have any concerns or issues you’d like to discuss. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you throughout the year.
Sincerely,
Linda Dougherty
Principal
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SCHOOL PICTURE DAY
Picture Day is coming to Richmond!!!
Wednesday, October 13th, 2021
Look for picture packets in last week's Thursday folders or get a head start and order online on https://dorianstudio.com/
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THE READING CORNER
Hello Roadrunner Families! My name is Mrs. Lessey and I am the Reading Specialist here at Richmond. I am here to help your child grow as a reader both at school and at home. Each month, I will share tips and resources to help you support your child’s reading development.
Did you know that reading is one of the most important skills your child will learn in life? Helping your child grow as a reader can help set them on a successful path. Now that we have returned to school, it is the perfect time to spend quality time reading with your child. Your child will benefit from your involvement, and you’ll enjoy each other’s company! Here are some helpful tips:
- Talk about the books you read. Ask thought-provoking questions that will get your child thinking. “Do you agree with what the main character did?” “What do you think will happen next?” “What happened on that page?”
- Reread favorite stories. Your child may want to hear some of their favorite stories again and again. This is a normal behavior and helps your child learn more each time.
- Reread to boost fluency. Fluency is the ability to read quickly with accuracy. When a reader is reading fluently, they do not pause to sound out words. You can help your child develop fluency by rereading favorite books. When your child is familiar with the text -and when the story is a little easy- they don’t have to focus on figuring out what each word says. Instead, they can focus on reading with speed and expression. Fluent reading will also help your child understand what they are reading.
- Listen others read stories aloud. Audiobooks are a lot of fun. The narrators model fluent and expressive reading skills as they entertain you with a story. When your child listens to the story, they can learn to make pictures in their mind, learn new words and concepts, and enjoy the thrill of adventure that stories often take us on.
- Find a time that works for you. Select a time to read together when your child can focus. Make it part of the day that you both look forward to. Remember books don’t require batteries and you can take them on the go!
Did you know that Salem has rebuilt the public library? Due to Covid-19 they have postponed a full opening, but that doesn’t mean you can’t check out books! You can still order books and other materials online for pick up or you can order digital copies. Here’s some tips:
- Encourage your child to choose at least one book that relates to something they are learning in school. This will help you child to make new connections and deepen their knowledge.
- Try one book that is slightly difficult. You can read it together to boost your child’s confidence.
- Look for some books at your child’s reading level that they can read easily.
- Find a book from a section of the library that they haven’t borrowed from before.
- Take your time and let your child browse the available materials the library has to offer.
- This is a fun activity and you don’t even have to leave your home!
Find out more at: https://www.cityofsalem.net/Pages/library-changes-covid19.aspx
Game Time! Play “Concentration” with sight words
Sight words are high-frequency words that your child should be able to recognize at a glance without having to sound them out. To help your child practice sight words, you can play the memory game concentration:
- Make a list of 10-15 high frequency words such as the, for, and about. Write each word on two separate index cards. Ask your teacher for lists of sight words if you are not sure which ones to pick.
- Shuffle the cards and lay them face down.
- Have your child pick up two cards and read the words aloud. If the words match, they keep and take another turn. If the words don’t match, they should turn them back over and the next player takes a turn. The player with the most pairs wins!
Tech Tools Check out these free apps for your devices:
ABC Alphabet Phonics – 4+ years old
Bob Books Reading Magic Lite
Bob Books Sight Words
Story Creator – Easy Story Book Creator for Kids
TeleStory
Toontastic 3D
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PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-Teacher conferences will be this month on October 20th and October 21st. Just like in the Spring, conferences will be virtual to keep our students, familes and staff safe. Please use the following link to schedule your conference. Please call the office @ 503-399-3180 if you have any questions. We will forward to meeting with all of our familes! Beep, Beep!
https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/RichmondElementaryConferences@salkeiz.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/
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SAFE RETURN TO IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION
Salem-Keizer Public Schools is working to develop plans despite rapidly evolving data and shifting circumstances. We understand these plans will impact all of you, and we are committed to a thoughtful approach that is inclusive of students, parents, staff and the community.
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School board proclaims Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15
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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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SCHOOL CALENDAR
KEY DATES:
- October 8: No school - Statewide Inservice Day
- October 13: School Picture Day for Richmond Elementary
- October 20-22: No School - Fall Conferences
- October 31: Halloween 👻
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GUIDELINES FOR FACE COVERING
As more students and staff return to in-person learning, face coverings are required when in a Salem-Keizer Public Schools building, with situational exceptions. All employees, students and visitors must continue to wear a face covering indoors, this includes sporting events.
All students, staff, volunteers and visitors are not required to wear face coverings outdoors. This includes, but is not limited to: athletic events, outdoor PE, outdoor music, recess and arrival & dismissal. Until additional updates are provided, all physical distancing and other related requirements still apply.
If a student needs a face covering, the school has them available for students.
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2021-22 MEAL PRICES: FREE!
EDGE Student Meals
SAVE MILK!
If a student doesn’t want the milk, that’s okay! A student does not have to take a milk if they do not take an entrée.
PANDEMIC FOOD BENEFITS INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES
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SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH - You are not alone
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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 email, ParentSquare or on the school website!
Follow us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/RICHMONDROADRUNNERS/
Follow us on our school website. https://richmond.salkeiz.k12.or.us/
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