Greetings Salem Elementary
Every Student Future Ready
Salem Junior General Monthly Newsletter- December 2023
As we enter the heart of the holiday season, we want to extend a warm December greeting to all our school families. This month is a time of celebration, reflection, and community spirit. We encourage everyone to embrace the joy and warmth that this season brings.
Our school is buzzing with excitement and festive activities. We look forward to showcasing our students' talents through various events and encourage family participation to make these moments even more special.
Drama Club Extravaganza: Mark your calendars! Our talented Drama Club will be presenting "The Addams Family." This is a wonderful opportunity to witness the creativity and hard work of our students in a fun and entertaining environment.
Scholastic Book Fair: Encourage the love of reading! Our Scholastic Book Fair is an ideal place for our elementary students to explore and discover new books that ignite their imagination and passion for reading.
Capital Project Vote: This is an important event for our school's future. Your participation in the Capital Project Vote is crucial as it impacts the learning environment and resources available to our students.
Elementary Winter Concert: Get ready for a heartwarming musical experience. Our Elementary Winter Concert showcases the incredible musical talents of our students. It's a perfect way to celebrate the season!
Snowplow Safety Program (PreK-6): Safety first! Our Snowplow Safety Program is designed to educate our youngest members about staying safe during the winter months.
Too Good for Drugs Program (Grades 3-6): An essential initiative for our older students, focusing on making healthy choices and understanding the consequences of drug use.
Please stay connected with our school's calendar for upcoming events and important dates.
We wish you and all a season filled with peace, happiness, and cherished moments with loved ones. Happy Holidays and a Joyful New Year to our wonderful school community.
Winter Safety: Bundle Up and Stay Prepared
Winter has set in, and we urge families to adequately prepare their children for the season's challenges.
Dress Warmly for the Cold: It's crucial that your child is warmly dressed for winter. Their attire should include heavy coats, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots. Layering clothing is also a wise strategy to retain body heat.
Watch Out for Falling Snow and Ice: Exercise caution around school buildings, as falling snow and ice can pose a hazard. Encourage your children to stay vigilant and avoid areas close to buildings where snow and ice could fall.
Stay Updated on Weather and School Notifications: Regularly check local weather reports and stay alert for any school updates regarding weather-related schedule changes, including possible delays or closures.
Allow Additional Time for Commutes: Anticipate slower travel times during winter. Allocate extra time for your child's journey to school to navigate icy or snow-covered roads safely.
Update Emergency Contacts: If you haven't already submitted your child's updated emergency contact form, please do so promptly. It's vital for us to know whom to contact in emergencies and to have a plan if the weather deteriorates during school hours.
Your cooperation is essential in ensuring our students' safety and warmth throughout the winter season.
Holiday Spirit Week!
December 18-21
Merry Monday: Wear your favorite Santa hat, reindeer antlers, or other fun Christmas gear!
Twinkle Toes Tuesday: Wear your most festive holiday socks or light up accessory!
Warm and Cozy Wednesday: Come to school in your favorite pajamas!
Thoughtful Thursday: Come dressed in holiday colors and with your best singing voices for the concert!
We hope you have a healthy and restful winter break
and look forward to seeing you in the new year!
Happy Holidays!
Special Programs & Reminders
Medications
New York State law requires that any medication to be administered in a school setting, including over-the-counter medications, must have appropriate documentation from a physician. The law also provides guidelines for the administration of medication in schools to ensure the safety of students.
Snowplow Safety Presentations
On December 7, the Washington County Department of Transportation, in collaboration with the County DPW Safety Team, will conduct a snowplow safety training session for students in PreK-2 and grades 3-6.
For PreK-2 students, the training will emphasize the importance of dressing warmly during winter, playing safely away from the streets, and understanding the size and operation of snowplow trucks.
For students in grades 3-6, the focus will shift to more detailed aspects of snowplow operation, including the understanding of truck blind spots. They will also learn the importance of informing an adult about their whereabouts, duration, and activities during snowy conditions, and the dangers of playing in large snow piles.
This training is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of our community's youngest members during the winter season.
Too Good For Drugs Program
We are excited to introduce your child to the Too Good for Drugs (TGFD) program, a research-based initiative emphasizing character education and essential life skills. Designed for students in Grades 3-6, TGFD enhances social competence and problem-solving abilities, equipping them to resist peer pressure and make informed choices. The program's core focuses include goal setting, decision making, emotional management, effective communication, and fostering respect for oneself and others.
Additionally, TGFD provides age-appropriate information on the risks associated with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, advocating for a nonviolent, drug-free lifestyle. This valuable program is made available in Warren and Washington Counties through the Council for Prevention
Important Dates....
Friday, Dec 1
Drama Club presents "The Addams Family" Sneak Peek @1:30 pm Auditorium
Drama Club presents "The Addams Family" performance @7:00 pm Auditorium
Admission: Adults $10/ Seniors and Students $5
Saturday, Dec 2
Drama Club presents "The Addams Family" performance @7:00 pm Auditorium
Admission: Adults $10/ Seniors and Students $5
Sunday, Dec 3
Drama Club presents "The Addams Family" performance @1:00 pm Auditorium
Admission: Adults $10/ Seniors and Students $5
Monday, Dec 4
Scholastic Book Fair starts today through Friday, December 8th in Room 208
Tuesday, Dec 5
CAPITAL PROJECT VOTE 8:00am to 8:00pm Room 418
Grades 4 - 6 Chorus Rehearsal Auditorium @2:30 pm
Elementary (Grades 4-6 ) Winter Concert @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday, Dec 6
Cool 2B Kind Club for Grades 4 - 6 Room 304 @2:30 pm
PTA Meeting Cafeteria @5:30 pm
Thursday, Dec 7
Snowplow Safety Demonstrations presented by Washington County DPW
Too Good For Drug presentations presented by The Council for Prevention for Grades 3 - 6 starts today.
Friday, Dec 8
Scholastic Book Fair ends today at 12:00pm
Tuesday, Dec 12
Salem Drama Club/6th grade auditions
Boys only
Wednesday, Dec 13
LEGO Club for Grades K - 2 Primary Gym @2:30 pm
Salem Dram Club/6th grade auditions
Girls only
Thursday, Dec 14
LEGO Club for Grades 3 - 6 Primary Gym @2:30 pm
Wednesday, Dec 20
PTA sponsored Movie Afternoon for grades K-3 @11:50am Auditorium
BOE Meeting HS library @6:00 pm
Thursday, Dec 21
PTA sponsored Movie Afternoon for grades 4 - 6 @12:20pm Auditorium
K-6 Holiday Review HS gym @9:00 am
Friday, Dec 22
SCHOOL CLOSED for Holiday Recess through Monday, January 1, 2024
Tuesday, Jan 2
Classes resume-HAPPY NEW YEAR!
IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS:
Absences
It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to notify their respective office by telephone
(854-9505 PreK-6th grade or email (atifft@salemcsd.org) PreK-6th on the morning of the absence or tardiness as to the reason for such absence or tardiness.As a follow-up to any oral notification, parents/guardians must provide a written excuse within two (2) school days of the studentโs return to school containing the date of the absence or tardiness and reason for such. An email will qualify for a written excuse. Failure to comply will result in an unexcused absence or unexcused tardy being recorded in the register.
Late Arrival to School
Late Arrival:
Please be advised that any student arriving after 8AM is considered tardy. All late arrivals of elementary students must be signed in by a parent or guardian at the main office.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances can occasionally cause delays. However, for the smooth functioning of our school and to ensure minimal disruptions, we kindly request your support in ensuring your child arrives on time.
Early Dismissals: Procedure for Grades PreK-6
If a student in grades PreK-6 needs an early departure from school:
- A written note must be submitted to the classroom teacher in advance.
- The parent or guardian is then required to personally visit the elementary office to sign their child out. Reason for the early departure must be written on the sign out sheet along with the parent's signature.
Your child's safety is of paramount importance to us, and these protocols are in place to ensure that. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these guidelines.
๐ Elementary School Arrival Information ๐
The elementary school doors open at 7:50 a.m. Classes begin at 8:00 a.m. We want to ensure that everyone has a smooth start to their day.
For parent drop-off, please use the designated area in front of the school. Students and their families should not be walking between our parked buses. It is not safe walking from the parking lot and along the buses to get to our elementary doors. Please help our drivers by approaching the buildings from the front of the school.
Punctuality is important. Students who enter the building after 8:00 a.m. will be considered tardy. Let's all work together to ensure everyone gets the most out of their learning time.
๐ฃ Elementary School Dismissal Information ๐ฃ
Dismissal for all walkers and parent pick-ups will take place at 2:20-2:30 p.m. Please make sure to be on time so we can efficiently reunite you with your child(ren).
To facilitate a smooth dismissal process, we kindly ask that you wait in the designated area, on the front lawn, for pick-up.
We appreciate your cooperation and patience during dismissal. Safety is our top priority, and your assistance in adhering to our procedures contributes to a secure and efficient process.
Remember, clear communication and adherence to these dismissal procedures help us maintain a safe and organized environment for all students. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact our school office.