Salem Spotlight
December 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.
Principal's Message
Learning Around the House
Children often like to play school at home. With winter break coming up, encourage your youngster to set up "learning centers" just like his or her teacher has at school. They will enjoy being both teacher and student, and they are sure to learn a lot. Here are ideas.
1. Suggest that your youngster pick a few of their books and collect items to act out the stories.
2. Let your child gather things to put in order. For instance, have scrabble tiles scattered on the floor and put them in alphabetical order or write decimals on separate sheets of paper and arrange them in order from least to greatest.
From our Salem family to yours, we wish all of you a wonderful holiday season!
From the Desk of the Preschool Director
I hope everyone has a fun and safe winter break with family and friends. Fun activities and events may be planned, but remember to keep your child on a schedule as much as possible. This will help when they transition back to school after being off for over 2 weeks!
Some fun activities you can do with your child over break include:
- Building a fort and having a pajama & story day
- Baking something yummy in the kitchen
- Making bird feeders and going on a nature hike
- Creating sock puppets and having a little play
- Making homemade playdough or goop
See you in the new year!
Save the Dates!
by Mrs. Miles
General Dates
12/15/17-1/1/18: No School (Winter Break)
1/5/18: Report Cards Go Home
1/15/18: No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
1/22/18: 90 Minute Delay for Students
2/7/18: Interims Go Home
2/19/18: No School (Presidents' Day)
2/26/18: Late Arrival for Students
Conferences
2/15/18: 4:30pm-8:00pm
2/22/18: 4:30pm-8:00pm
Other
2/28/18: Spring Picture Day
PTO Dates
1/9/18: PTO Meeting (7:00pm)
1/31/18: Zak Morgan Assembly (PK/K)
2/8/18-2/23/18: Book Fair
2/13/18: PTO Meeting (7:00pm)
2/14/18: Valentine's Day Parties
2/21/18: Mad Potter (6:30-8:00pm)
Helpful Handbook Reminders
SNOW DAYS
School Closings
The Superintendent and/or transportation director will make every effort to notify radio and television stations of closings by 6:00 a.m. School closing information can also be accessed on our website at www.littlemiamischools.com. The decision will ultimately be determined by the weather, and on occasion, later announcements or changes may be necessary.
Please do not call the school for closing information.
Early Dismissals
The Superintendent and/or transportation director will make the decision regarding early dismissal. After the decision is made, drivers will be assembled as quickly as possible and students will be transported home. Discuss with your child the possibility of schedule changes, such as early dismissal, and how it will affect them.
Salem Elementary Schoology Group
TXH2W-FNR25
Follow Us On Twitter!
Don't miss out on our daily tweets!
Mrs. Smith - @LSmithSalem
Mrs. Losey - @LM_PrekPanthers
Mrs. Miles - @LM_MrsMiles
Mr. Taylor - @MrTaylorLM
Curriculum Connection
by Mrs. Horvath & Mrs. Meyer
Predict and Read… Choose a book by its cover!
How do we get kids to find that book that they can’t put down? We've all heard the saying "Never judge a book by its cover" but that's exactly what this strategy will help kids do. It will hook them with a little guessing work.
Students who are trying to find that just right book, at times can get overwhelmed. Teach them how to look at a book prior to reading it. When kids take the time to use the information they have from the cover art, the title, or the summary on the back, they have taken the first step to dive into that book. Students can then make predictions based on their prior knowledge about the author, the topic, or the series.
Making predictions about a book isn't about testing children's ability at making educated guesses. It's about getting them invested in the reading experience. When your kids take the time to use the information they have from the cover art and title, added to their prior knowledge about the author or series, they've taken one of the most important steps in finding that just right book. Now, go to the library, the book store, or your own book shelves at home and give it a try!
Specials' Spot - Art
We have had a busy few months leading up to Winter Break!
The 4th Graders finished their Superhero self portraits. They really enjoyed inventing a super persona and backstory for themselves. Some will be coming home this week. Another piece that might be coming home are the Color Wheels we did earlier in the year. The pieces that do not come home are kept for a possible Art Show piece.
The 3rd Graders have been creating two types of self portraits. One was done in a realistic style, where the students were challenged to draw and color it as close to what they look like as they can. Their second portrait goes the opposite direction, using abstract facial features and colors. The focus of this lesson was to explore how the human face is made up and have fun with how it could look.
Counselor's Corner
Transitioning Back to School after Winter Break
Our students experience so many different transitions. One example of a transition our students face is after a long break from school. Many students feel a little anxious about returning to school after these extended breaks. Here are some tips that can help prepare your child for returning to school in January after our winter break:
Begin preparations early: Help your child phase in adjustments ahead of time. For example, a few days before the end of break, start setting bedtime routines earlier to help prepare for the transition back to school. This will help them feel rested and ready to return.
Make a list: If your child is feeling anxious about returning to school, create a two-sided list. On one side, list things your child is looking forward to. On the other side, brainstorm things he or she may be anxious about. These lists will start a good conversation and give your child a chance to reflect on past challenges that he or she has overcome.
Stay positive: Your child picks up and sometimes emulates the anxiety and negativity you might be feeling. Be sure to help your child stay positive by you staying positive as well. The old saying “fake it until you make it” may come in handy, as these transitions can be difficult for parents too. As a family, institute making a “gratitude list” and focus on everything that makes you feel grateful.
No matter what the transition, we want to make it as smooth as possible so that each child has a successful school experience.
Notes from the Nurses
by Mrs. Knochel & Mrs. Sedlatschek
Winter Weather
With cold weather approaching, remember to send students to school with proper winter attire! Winter clothing should include:
- · Hats
- · Mittens / Gloves
- · Winter Jacket
- · Boots or Proper Footwear
**If obtaining winter clothing is an issue, please contact us... we can help!
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Let’s fight the flu together!
Your decision to get the flu shot or not goes well beyond you. It also affects the many lives you touch…
Influenza is a contagious disease of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and the worsening of other chronic health conditions. Flu symptoms may include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. The best way to protect your family from new influenza strains is to get vaccinated each year.
Follow Healthy Habits: eat right, exercise, and get plenty of rest to help boost your immunity to fight the effects of colds and flu. Wash hands frequently, do the elbow cough, regularly disinfect areas in your home/work/school.
Enjoy a healthy holiday season!
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