Timberbeast Times
May 4, 2023
Message from Mrs. Gray
Make School Attendance a Top Priority
I hope this message finds you and your family doing well. As the school year draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to talk with you about something that’s been on my mind lately: the importance of school attendance.
I know it’s not always easy to get your child to school every day. There are mornings when everyone is tired, days when things go wrong, and moments when unexpected events make it impossible to be in class. But, if you can, please make school attendance a top priority.
Why? Because when a child attends school regularly, they have the opportunity to learn and grow in ways that are impossible to replicate anywhere else. They can build relationships with their teachers and peers, participate in activities that spark their curiosity and passion, and explore new ideas and concepts that will help them succeed in the future.
Plus, attending school every day teaches your child the importance of responsibility, commitment, and hard work. It shows that that success comes from showing up, being engaged, and putting in the effort to achieve their goals.
I know that there may be times when your child has to miss school due to illness or other circumstances beyond your control. In those cases, please know that we understand and will do everything we can to help them catch up and stay on track. But, whenever possible, please make attendance a priority.
Thank you for bringing your students to school on time and prepared for learning each day. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at graym@monroe.wednet.edu or at 360-804-3600.
In Partnership,
Melanie Gray
Parent/Guardian Input form for classroom environment at SWE 23-24
Your input is an important aspect of the placement process. If you have input you would like us to consider, please fill out this form by May 12, 2023.
SWE International Night - June 2nd
Help make Salem Woods International Night a great success!
International Night is a fun night for students and families to come together and celebrate different cultures from around the world through activities, art, food, etc. It’s a FREE event and we hope to see everyone there.
The Salem Woods school community is filled with families from around the world and it’s a
perfect time to share those different cultures with everyone! The goal is to have the whole
world represented in host tables. We want to celebrate any and all cultures.
What does a host table look like? What you do with your table is entirely up to you
and your group/family. Here are a few ideas:
Fill your table with items from your culture
Fill a poster board with pictures of your culture
Prepare an activity or game
Play music
Serve traditional food (Please have ingredient list for possible allergies).
Please complete the informational page if you are interested and return by May 25th. Forms will be coming home with each student.
State testing Information
State Testing is coming in May for Salem Woods 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders
Washington students take state and federal tests regularly to assess their learning growth as well as the progress of the educational system as a whole.
Great Websites to learn more about SBA and for students to take practice tests
Salem Woods 2022-2023 SBA (Smarter Balanced Assessment) Testing Schedule
Testing is scheduled for morning hours, with afternoons reserved for students needing more time.
May 1-12 Students will practice logging in and using the tools of testing
May 16 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Math CAT (Computer Adaptive test)
May 17 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Math PT (Performance Task test)
May 18 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade ELA CAT (Computer Adaptive test)
May 19 5th grade Science test
May 23 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade ELA PT Day 1 (Performance Task test)
May 24 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade ELA PT Day 2 (Performance Task test)
SWE Talent Show Reminder
Please direct questions to
or call the office at 360 804-3600
PTA Sponsored Stock the fridge for Staff Appreciation Week
Way to go PAX Leaders!
MSD Students & Family Spring Survey
We have partnered with Panorama, an educational research organization, to learn more about our students’ and families’ views of the climate and culture in our schools. We will be using Panorama’s survey tool to gain an understanding of the thoughts and feelings of students in grades 3-12 related to self-efficacy, self-management, social awareness, sense of belonging and support, and expectations for their learning. Students in grades 6-12 will also answer questions related to their experiences with cultural and racial diversity in our schools.
Families of our students will also receive a survey that will focus on roles and responsibilities related to school success, perceptions on school climate, student learning behaviors, barriers to student engagement, family efficacy to support student development, family engagement in the school, and school fit.
A list of example questions can be found here:
Please know that if your children attend multiple schools in the district, we would appreciate it if you could complete a family survey for each school.
Learn more HERE.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at: murphyj@monroe.wednet.edu or (360) 804.2574.
Timberbeast Spirit Wear
The MHS Performing Arts Department is excited to announce the dates of their spring musical, The Sound of Music!
Do you know a Monroe School District employee who deserves some much-needed recognition?
Monroe School District has launched a new employee recognition program, called the MSD Employee Honor Roll! This program is aimed at recognizing Monroe School District employees for exemplifying the district’s commitment and shared values through their service to our students, staff, families, and/or community.
Timberbeast Teacher Wishlists!
Mrs. Acuna - Art
Mrs. Borza - 1st Grade
Mrs. Brown - Resource
Mrs. Butterfield - 4th Grade
Mrs. Clark - Kindergarten
Mrs. Coe - 2nd Grade
Mrs. Cruz - Kindergarten
Ms. Derks - Kindergarten
Mrs. Ely - P.E.
Miss Evans - 4th Grade
Mrs. Fields - 2nd Grade
Mrs.Heit - 3rd Grade
Mrs. Hollander - 4th Grade
Mrs.Iliakis - 5th Grade
Mrs. Mengarelli - 2nd Grade
Mrs. McInnis - Library/Makerspace
Mrs. McLain - Music
Mrs. Moen - 5th Grade
Mrs. Pate - 3rd Grade
Mrs. Riddle - 5th Grade
Mrs. Schlichemeyer - 3rd Grade
Mrs.Sweeney - 1st Grade
Mrs. Weaver - 2nd Grade
Important Upcoming Dates...Mark your calendars!!
May 1-12: Students will practice logging in and using the tools of the testing
- May 16: 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Math CAT (Computer Adaptive test)
- May 16: SWE PTA Meeting
- May 17: 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Math PT (Performance Task test)
- May 18: 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade ELA CAT (Computer Adaptive test)
- May 18: 2nd Grade Field Trip to the Zoo
- May 19: 5th grade Science test
- May 23: 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade ELA PT Day 1 (Performance Task test)
- May 24: 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade ELA PT Day 2 (Performance Task test)
- May 26 - 29: Memorial Day Break No School
How to Reach Us
When you call the Salem Woods main line (360-804-3600) you have the option to dial directly to the service you need. Below is a list of options you will hear when you call Salem Woods.
- Press 1 for Attendance Hotline
- Press 2 for After School Transportation Changes
- Press 3 for the Health Room
- Press 4 for the Counselor
- Press 0 for the Office Staff
SWE...Who's Who, and how to:
Principal ~ Melanie Gray
Assistant Principal ~ AJ Adamski
Counselor ~ Lynnette Ervin
Office Manager ~ Karen Ligman
Office Support ~Tasha Christensen
Health Room ~ 360-804-3632
24-hour Attendance Hotline ~ 360-804-3601
End of Day Changes Hotline ~ 360-804-7100
Fax ~ 360-804-3699
Bus Delay Information ~ 360-804-2951
Transportation Office ~ 360-804-2650
School Hours are 8:55 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. Monday — Thursday
and 8:55 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. on Fridays
Website: https://www.monroe.wednet.edu/swe
Location: Salem Woods Elementary School, Wagner Road, Monroe, WA, USA
Phone: 360-804-3600
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SalemWoodsElementary
Twitter: @MonroeWASchools
Notice of Non-Discrimination
The Monroe School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Title IX Coordinator, Compliance Coordinator for 28A.640 and 28A.642 RCW
Dan Johnston
14692 - 179th Avenue SE, Monroe, WA 98272
(360) 804.2530
johnstond@monroe.wednet.edu
Section 504/ADA Coordinator
David Paratore
14692 - 179th Avenue SE, Monroe, WA 98272
(360) 804.2609
paratored@monroe.wednet.edu
The Monroe School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services and activities. For information regarding translation services or transitional bilingual education programs, contact:
Chris Cronas
14692 - 179th Avenue SE, Monroe, WA 98272
(360) 804.2558
cronasc@monroe.wednet.edu