Welcome Back Superstars!
Although a short week, it was a wonderful two days back to school! Students, teachers and staff met new people and saw familiar Superstar faces. Much time was spent on getting to know classmates, learning expectations and creating a safe, respectful and responsible environment. We look forward to the many days, weeks and months ahead to learn and to grow in our Swanson Community. Welcome back and we look forward to our 23-24 school year!
Back to School Routines
Heading back to school means a flood of new things all at once: new classes, new teachers, new classmates, and new after-school activities.
When children head back to school, one of the best things parents can do for them is help them develop and set daily routines. Routines give children a sense of control and safety because they help them learn what to expect, and how to prepare for the day ahead. They also help kids develop life skills that will benefit them far beyond their school days.
Here are a few routine-setting tips to consider as you are setting up your routines:
- Explain the routines to your child. Have them repeat the routines back to you to show they’ve understood.
- Put a chart on the wall. A visual of your daily routines can help everyone in the household see what needs to happen and when.
- Be consistent. Stick to your routines as closely as possible and practice to build consistency.
- Plan ahead to limit decision-making in the moment. For example, have an assortment of healthy snack options readily available to make it easy to select nourishment on the go or have your child plan out his/her outfit before going to sleep.
- Go slow, adding one or two new habits at a time. Making gradual changes to your family routine will give you the best chance of building lasting, positive routines.
- It’s OK if your routine needs to change. That’s life. Just make sure to tell your child about the change — well ahead of time, if possible.
Good-bye Outside
For the safety and building of independence of all students, we ask that good-byes are done outside before coming into school during arrival. If students need assistance, Swanson staff members are available to help. Thank you for your continued support, cooperation and understanding of our arrival procedures!
BEGINNING OF THE YEAR KINDERGARTEN SCHEDULE
Our second group of kindergarten students will come to school on August 14th and 15th. Group 1 students will stay home on these two days. All kindergarten students will come to school on Wednesday, August 16th.
*Kindergarten teacher assignments will be communicated on Tuesday, August 15th.
Swanson First Friday Spirit Day!
August Swanson Spirit Day: Friday, August 18th!
ATTENTION 5TH & 6TH GRADE PARENTS
You are invited to BE A PART OF THE MUSIC! This fall, you will have the opportunity to do what so many successful students have done before you by being a part of Band and Strings! In the first three weeks of school we will be visiting all the buildings, demonstrating the instruments, and giving students the opportunity to select an instrument of their choice. We will have a parent meeting about our program on Wednesday, August 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Westside Middle School. All are welcome to attend to learn about elementary instrumental music and meet the teachers. We are excited to introduce your child to the world of instrumental music!
The Elementary Instrumental Music Staff
Gail Carpenter-Johnson, Michael Freeman, Viktoria Matheson and Jennifer Johansen
The WESTSIDE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS APP
It's never been easier to keep up to date on events in Westside and at Swanson. The Westside Community Schools App is available for both iPhone and Android in the App Store. Using this app allows you to follow important information for our school and district, access calendars, and links to important resources. Be sure to download it and check it out!
CALENDAR REMINDERS
August 16 3:00 pm Dismissal for all students
August 19 Swanson Community Club Meeting, 6:30 pm
August 30 5/6 Gr. Instrumental Parent Mtg. @ WMS, 6:30 pm
September 2 No School for students
September 5 No School - Labor Day
September 9 School Pictures
October 3 Community Club Mtg., 6:30 pm
October 3-7 Homingcoming Week
October 13 Parent/Teacher Communication Conferences
October 13-17 No School for students
Welcome to Swanson! Home of the Superstars!
The Mission of Swanson School, as a dynamic community alliance and model of innovative education, is to support and empower all learners to achieve academic excellence.
Swanson's Expectations
- Be Safe
- Be Respectful
- Be Responsible
