Salem Spotlight
September 2017
Our Mission
At Salem, we realize all children are individuals, and this may be their first experience in social living. Our desired goal in working with all children is growth.
We strive to create a stimulating environment for each child that will promote and foster his/her interests and curiosity, thus promoting optimal learning. This learning will incorporate the development of academic, relationship, and citizenship skills, a requirement for functioning in our society as productive citizens.
Follow Us On Twitter!
Check out all the awesome things going on at Salem Elementary!
Mrs. Smith - @LSmithSalem
Mrs. Losey - @LM_PrekPanthers
Mrs. Miles - @LM_MrsMiles
Mr. Taylor - @MrTaylorLM
Principal's Message
Dear Salem Elementary Parents and Community,
All families should have received the first interim report indicating the skills that your child is soaring in and those that need a little more work. Before you know it October Parent Teacher Conferences (10/5 & 10/12) will be here and final report cards for the quarter will be delivered.
As you look over your child's progress report, please take a few minutes to talk to your child about his or her strengths. Ask you child questions such as:
- What makes this subject easy for you?
- What types of lessons does your teacher present and how do these help you learn?
- What activities do you believe help you learn?
Now look over the grades that might not be where you would like them to be. Again, talk to your child and ask questions such as:
- What makes this subject hard?
- What types of lessons does your teacher present and what questions do you ask to help you better understand?
- How often do you ask your teacher or others for help?
Being proactive now about your child's grades will ensure improved results as the year continues on. By knowing which subjects are difficult, encouraging your child to ask questions in class, and ensuring that your child completes homework every night, your child's academic progress will be a positive one.
As always, collaborating with the teacher is another sure-fire way to support your child's academic progress. Your child's success is important to all of us. We know that with your help we can make a difference in the life of your child!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lisa M. Smith
Third Grade Reading Guarantee Meeting
On Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Salem Cafeteria, Little Miami Schools will hold an information session on the 3rd Grade Reading Guarantee and the State AIR Assessments that begin during the month of October.
At this time building administrators, Mrs. Regina Morgan (Assistant Superintendent), and Mrs. DeeDee Walker (Director of Special Education) will be available to guide parents through the testing process and the laws and regulations that surround the Third Grade Reading Guarantee.
We hope everyone is able to come to this very informative session.
Schoology
Having problems with Schoology? We are, too!
While Little Miami is excited to be able to provide the Schoology learning management system to students, parents and staff this year, the district has been less than thrilled with the rocky roll-out of this new tool.
In every building, a number of parents and staff have reported problems with Schoology. Some parents have discovered that district-provided log-in codes have not worked, while some teachers have seen a student’s name disappear from their class roster, and a parent’s name show up in its place.
“This is not the user experience we want our families to have,” said Stephen Collins, Little Miami director of technology. “For that reason, we are working behind the scenes to improve Schoology.”
From Wednesday, Sept. 27 until the beginning of second quarter on Oct. 10, Little Miami will be working with representatives from Schoology to correct on-going issues.
If a parent or student is currently logged into Schoology and it is working properly, they will not be affected by the behind-the-scenes work the district is doing.
For those parents who have yet to log in or who have had an issue, an email will be coming from Schoology asking them to activate their account.
“Schoology is such a powerful tool and we have seen great success and buy-in from our staff and students where it has been working properly,” said Regina Morgan, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. “But in other cases, there has been this barrier that has kept people from getting logged in and we are diligently working to fix this.”
Salem Preschool Information
by Mrs. Losey
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend our first-ever Preschool Curriculum night. Our team is so proud of all the wonderful things we do each and every day, and we are so glad you were able to hear all about it. If you weren't able to attend, the presentation was emailed home.
Fall is in the air! Our first family event is scheduled for Sunday, October 1st, at Bonnybrook Farms. Information about this event was sent home in backpacks and/or email. Bring the whole family for a fun afternoon out and an opportunity to meet your child's friends. Admission to the farm is free.
Save the Dates!
General Dates
10/6/17: End of First Quarter
10/9/17: No School (Columbus Day)
10/13/17: Report Cards Go Home
10/27 - Preschool Halloween Parties
10/30/17: Late Arrival
11/7/17: No School (Teacher Inservice)
11/8/17: Interims Go Home
11/22/17-11/24/17: No School (Thanksgiving Break)
Conferences
10/5/17: 4:30-8:00pm
10/12/17: 4:30-8:00pm
PTO Dates
10/10/17: PTO Meeting 7:00pm
10/12/17-10/24/17: Book Fair
10/31 - Halloween Parties for Grades K, 3, and 4
11/2/17: Cookie Dough Delivery
11/14/17: PTO Meeting 7:00pm
Other
10/17/17: Fall Picture Retakes
10/23/17-10/27/17: 3rd Grade Fall ELA Assessment
10/26/17 at 6:30pm in the Junior High Cafeteria - Sandy Hook Promise Parent Program for parents of Pre K - 12th grade students
11/2/17: 3rd Grade Music Programs (at the Intermediate School)
- 6:30pm: Brendamour,Kenter, and McEntire
- 7:30pm: Barr, Foley, Houillion, and Temple
11/6/17-11/15/17: Boosterthon and Fun Run
11/9/17: 3rd Grade Music Programs (at the Intermediate School)
- 6:30pm: Chance, Creech, Freedman, and Vanell
- 7:30pm: Burke, Farlow, Taylor, and Whiting
Book Fair Volunteers Needed
Our Fall Scholastic Book Fair will be visiting the school from October 12th-24th, and we are looking for volunteers to help with this event. Volunteers help students find books, make wish lists, and count their money. Without our AWESOME volunteers this wouldn't be such a huge success.The kids LOVE the book fairl!!!! Please click here to sign up. Thank you in advance.
Salem PTO
Helpful Handbook Reminders
Safety Guidelines for Visitors and Parents Signing Out Their Children
In light of the recent violence in schools, and as a result of State and Federal mandates, the Little Miami School District has implemented additional safety procedures.
The safety of children is a primary concern of the school staff. Visitors to the building are carefully monitored. Once school begins all exterior doors are locked. Please do not ask a student to open a door for you. They have been instructed not to open doors for anyone.
There is a buzzer system on the exterior door by the office. If you need to gain access into the school during school hours, you will need to be buzzed in by the office.
Anyone entering the school or grounds other than students and employees must obtain a Visitor's/Volunteer's Badge from the office. Visitor badges provided at sign-in should be worn until checking out at the office.
Occasionally, requests to visit are received from children from other schools. These requests will not be granted because of the disruption it causes in the classrooms.
Children will be released only to the custodial parent or guardian, or to an adult designated by the custodial parent or guardian on the child’s Emergency Medical contact list. Any other arrangement requires written permission from the custodial parent/guardian.
Students are dismissed through the office. They may not be dismissed directly from the classroom or playground.
EVERYONE MUST present his/her driver’s license/photo ID for identification verification when signing out children.
Changes in dismissal may not be taken over the phone. You must send a signed note or email to the office before 2:00 p.m.
Schools are considered Safe Zones. Any perceived threats, verbal or physical to anyone on school property, will be taken seriously.
In cooperation with the local law enforcement agency, we conduct safety drills throughout the school year.
School Fees
School fees are collected for each student in kindergarten through fourth
grade. The fee is $47.00* per student in Grades 1-4 and $27.00* per student in Kindergarten. The fee is required of all students regardless of when they enroll
during the school year and is non-refundable.
Textbooks are purchased by the Board of Education and loaned to students for their use. Fines will be charged to students who lose their textbooks or return their textbooks in a damaged condition.
Report cards will be withheld at the end of each quarter until fees have been paid or an arrangement has been made through the Principal’s Office. All library books must be returned and library fines paid before the final report card will be sent home.
*Student fees are subject to change.
Birthdays
Birthdays are very meaningful for young children and may be recognized by parents in a variety of ways at Little Miami. Some families choose to donate a book or learning materials (i.e. puzzle/game) in their child’s name to the
classroom, or a non-food item (stickers/pencil) for each student.
In our efforts to promote wellness and to be conscious of student food allergies, you may not send food or candy.
Please do not have balloons or flowers delivered to the school. These items may not be taken home on the bus.
Social invitations to non-school sanctioned events (birthday parties, pool parties, etc.) may not be distributed at school.
Change of Address
You are required to contact the Central Registrar with any “change of address” during the school year. Proof of residency documentation must be presented before student records and/or transportation procedures can be adjusted to reflect the change. Parents must contact the school office with changes to their home phone, work phone, cell phone, or emergency telephone numbers.
It is important to provide the school with current phone/cell numbers in the event of emergency.
Halloween Costumes
Curriculum Connection
by Mrs. Horvath & Mrs. Meyer
Literacy Tips for Kindergarten Parents:
Trace and say letters.
Have your child use a finger to trace a letter while saying the letter’s sound. Do this on paper, in sand, or on a plate of sugar.
Write it down.
Have paper and pencils available for your child to use for writing. Working together, write a sentence or two about something special. Encourage her to use the letters and sounds she’s learning about in school.
Play sound games.
Practice blending sounds into words. Ask, “Can you guess what this word is? m - o - p.” Hold each sound longer than normal. This is a good activity to build phonemic awareness, which is a big indicator of reading success.
Read it again and again.
Go ahead and read your child’s favorite book for the 100th time! As you read, pause and ask your child about what is going on in the book.
Literacy Tips for Third and Fourth Grade Parents:
Make books special.
Turn reading into something special! Take your kids to the library, help them get their own library card, read with them, and buy them books as gifts. Have a favorite place for books in your home. Talk about books with your child.
Crack open the dictionary.
Let your child see you use a dictionary. Say, “Hmm, I’m not sure what that word means... I think I’ll look it up.” Help your child look up words in the dictionary. Talk about synonyms for words and have your child use those words in his/her own sentences.
“Are We There Yet?”
Use the time spent in the car wisely. Talk about how jam means something you put on toast as well as cars stuck in traffic. How many other homonyms (two or more words that have the same spelling, but different meanings) can your child think of? When kids are highly familiar with the meaning of a word, they have less difficulty reading it.
Reading for many purposes!
Read for different purposes. Reading directions for a recipe or directions for assembling a toy are fun ways of incorporating reading into everyday activities.
Specials' Spot - Library
by Ms. Wilkerson
We have gotten off to a great start in the library this year! This month we are working on using our resources to locate our books. Students are learning about how to use the Dewey Decimal System and the online catalog to assist them in finding books of interest. We have also begun Type to Learn, our typing program, in the library. You will be able to access this at home. I will have the link on our Library Schoology page beginning in October.
Please remember that books are checked-out every two weeks and therefore are also due back every other week. You can check the resources link under the Library Schoology page for a book return schedule. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions. I look forward to a great school year!
Counselor's Corner
All 3rd and 4th grade classrooms had an introductory class visit with me this month. We discussed "Start With Hello" as our year-long goal with the message of spreading kindness and including others. Students were challenged to find situations to sit with different classmates at lunch or play with new friends at recess. The included photo is of our wall in the cafeteria that our art teacher, Mrs. Ehlers, created to serve as a reminder of this theme with the 3 steps students are encouraged to do:
1. See Someone Alone
2. Reach Out and Help
3. Start With Hello
We also discussed examples or role played examples of: E (event) + R (response) = O (outcome). We practiced having positive responses to different events since responses are the only aspect that we have control over.
Our parent presentations and free dinner during conference nights are coming up next month! There will be a drawing for prizes at each parent workshop! Please click here to reserve a spot for the free dinner.
You can learn more about the Sandy Hook Promise, Start with Hello, and the Say Something initiative by clicking on the following buttons:
Notes from the Nurses
by Mrs. Knochel & Mrs. Sedlatschek
Vision and Hearing Screenings
This fall students in PK, KG and 3rd grade will be screened for vision and hearing, per the Ohio Department of Health. If your child does not pass the screening at school, a referral will be mailed home. If you receive a referral, you are urged to follow-up with a hearing or eye care specialist depending on the referral.
Did you know that 80% of all learning comes through vision, so vision is critical to the learning process. Another interesting fact according to the Ohio Optometric Association, is that 60% of students identified as problem learners have undetected vision problems. Thus, it is very important that students are screened and follow-up care received if necessary.
Tips for The Healthiest School Year Ever!
- Start off strong with a healthy breakfast. A good breakfast provides energy and will help keep you alert and attentive in class. Highly sugared foods leave you feeling tired soon after eating.
- Drink plenty of water. Water is the best fluid to stay hydrated without the added sugar found in some juice and soft drinks. Also, remember to drink the recommended amount of reduced-fat milk or milk alternative. Water and milk are served at school for breakfast and lunch every day.
- Boost your immune system. Get plenty of sleep, talk to your doctor about taking a multiple vitamin, and eat colorful fruits and vegetables every day. Think variety and rainbow colors!
- Eat a nutritious lunch. Choose foods from all the food groups. Different food groups supply our bodies with energy to think, move, and grow. Make healthy choices from the daily menus, or pack a healthy lunch from home.
- Cut back on sugar and salty snacks. Limit sodas, sport drinks, candy, chips, and ice cream – they add on extra calories, can harm your teeth, and leave you feeling tired and weak. Need a snack at school? Ask the nurse for a healthy snack alternative!
- Get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day – at recess and at home. Join a team. Play with friends or family. Go for a daily walk with a friend, a parent or your pet . Exercise helps our bodies to be strong, flexible, and resilient.
- Don’t forget to wash your hands often. Keep hands away from your face, mouth, and nose where germs can enter your body.
- Remember: Your school performance is directly related to your health!
Conference Dinners
Quick Links
2017 - 2018 School Hours
8:55 - Doors Open for Students & Breakfast Begins
9:10 - Classes Start
11:50 - AM Preschool & Kindergarten Ends
1:05 - PM Preschool & Kindergarten Begins
3:50 - Student Dismissal
Contact Information
605 Welch Road
Morrow, Ohio 45152
Principal: Mrs. Lisa Smith
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Jamie Miles
Assistant Principal: Mr. Cory Taylor
Preschool Director: Mrs. Erin Losey
Office & Attendance Number: 513.899.5275
Fax Numbers: 513.899.3196 (Grades 3 & 4) / 513.899.2891 (Grades P & K)
School Website