Timberbeast Times
November 12, 2021
Message from Mrs. Gray
Dear Salem Woods Families,
The most important educational benefit for your child is to either read to them or have them read to you every day for at least 20 minutes. It is the single biggest contribution you can make to your child’s education and it doesn’t cost anything. Our children love the one-on-one interaction with their parents and the benefits go well beyond just reading skills.
Helping your child love books
Remember, when you read to your child often and combine reading time with cuddle and play time, your child will link books with fun times together.
Here are some things you can try:
Turn off the TV/cell phone/tablet and find a quiet spot to read without distraction.
Choose books that interest your child, such as books on animals or sports.
Read aloud and talk about the pictures. Allow your child to pick books too, and ask your child to read aloud.
Praise your child's efforts at reading!
Thank you for bringing your amazing students to us for their academic and social learning. If you have questions or concerns, or have something great to share, please contact me at graym@monroe.wednet.edu or at 360-804-3600.
In Partnership,
Melanie Gray
Veterans Day Virtual assembly
Picture retakes are November 17th
PTA Penny Challenge starts soon so gather up all your loose change!
Volunteers
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.
Supervisors, fellow employees, parents and community members are encouraged to nominate ANY staff member for exemplifying any of the following:
Providing engaging learning opportunities through powerful instruction
Providing students with equitable access to learning and opportunities based on their unique, individual needs
Holding students to high standards
Using innovation to provide educational choice
Recognizing, honoring and building upon students’ strengths and passions
Engaging families and the community in the learning process
Preparing all students for college, careers and life beyond graduation
All nominees will be recognized, but only one in each employee category will be selected each month as the MSD Employee Honor Roll award recipients. Employee categories include:
Certificated (teachers, counselors, psychologists, etc)
Classified (paraeducators, nurses, office staff, bus drivers, food service, custodial, technology, maintenance, etc)
Substitutes and coaches
Administrators (Principals, assistant principals, directors, executive staff)
Superintendent Chat
With a goal of fostering transparent, two-way communication, Superintendent of Monroe School District, Dr. Justin Blasko, extends an open invitation to families for his monthly "Superintendent Chat."
This is an opportunity for families to ask questions, provide input, and share viewpoints on district procedures, practices, and policies. In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, these chats will be held via Zoom.
While families are welcome to ask questions about anything, the topic of this chat will be primarily focused on COVID-19 in our schools. David Paratore, the MSD Chief of Student Services, will be joining as a special guest to discuss this topic.
The meeting will be held in English with live Spanish translations from our Hispanic Liaison, Carlos Elles.
PTA Reflections Program
Salem Woods will be participating in the Reflections program this school year! Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through 12th grade create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. This 50+ year-old program helps students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life. This year's theme is I Will Change the World By.... More details to come! Questions? Please contact Betsy Burnett - betsybasch21@gmail.com.
Here are some introductory videos:
Thanksgiving in the kitchen with our timberbeasts!
Important Upcoming Dates...Mark your calendars!!
- Nov: National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
- Native American Heritage Month
- November 16th : 4:30pm PTA meeting
- November 17th : Retake Picture Day
- November 15-19: Penny Challenge
- November 22nd: Apple Cup Day - wear your Cougar or Huskie Gear
- November 23rd: 10:00-11:00am Principal Chat via Zoom
- November 23rd - Timberbeast Tuesday - Wear Blue and Gray
- November 24th - Pajama Day
- November 24th: Gray Color Day
- November 24th - Early Dismissal - 12:55pm
- November 25-26 - Thanksgiving Break
- November 29th - Dec. 10th: Scholastic Book Fair
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
Counselor ~ Lynnette Ervin
Office Manager ~ Karen Ligman
Assistant Secretary ~ Annamyriah deJong
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
Monroe School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal 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: Civil Rights Coordinator: Joanne Dickinson and also Title IX Coordinator, 360-804-2539, dickinsonj@monroe.wednet.edu; and 504 Coordinator: David Paratore, 360-804-2609, paratored@monroe.wednet.edu. Address: 200 E Fremont St., Monroe, WA 98272.