Greetings Salem Elementary

Dear Salem Elementary Families,

Wow! Can you believe we're already entering our sixth month of the school year? Time truly flies when we're learning and growing together. As we step into February, filled with more opportunities for discovery and fun, we want to take a moment to appreciate all the wonderful moments we've shared so far.

We have much to be proud of! Here are some highlights that have made this year truly special:

• Participation in NYS Apple Crunch: Celebrating New York’s apple harvest, our school joined in the statewide Apple Crunch event. It was a crisp, fun way to promote healthy eating and support local agriculture.
• Snow plow Safety Program: Our students learned valuable lessons on winter safety, thanks to the informative sessions on snow plow safety. This program not only educated our young learners about staying safe during the winter months but also highlighted the importance of community helpers.
• Too Good for Drugs Program: Through engaging and interactive lessons, our students have been equipped with the skills they need to make healthy choices and say no to drugs. This vital program plays a crucial role in laying the foundation for a lifetime of positive decision-making.
• Testing Simulation for Grades 3-6: Our students in grades 3-6 successfully completed a testing simulation, preparing them for future assessments with confidence and ease. This experience has been invaluable in familiarizing them with the testing process and reducing anxiety.
• HMH Into Reading and HMH Into Math: This year marks our second with the HMH Into Reading program and our first implementing HMH Into Math. Both programs have enriched our curriculum, enhancing literacy and numeracy skills across all grade levels.

As we celebrate our recent achievements and the progress we've made together, our commitment to continuous improvement remains unwavering. Here are some key areas we are focusing on to ensure our students receive the best education possible:

• Rebuilding the Child Study Team: Targeted support for students in need.

• Curriculum Enhancement: Continuously improving our dynamic and inclusive curriculum.

• Remote Learning Plan Improvements: The experiences of the past have shown the importance of a robust Remote Learning Plan. We are actively working to refine our remote learning strategies, ensuring that our students can continue to learn effectively, no matter the circumstances.

• State Assessments Prep for Grades 3-6: As state assessments approach, we're enhancing our focus on keyboarding skills alongside the foundational abilities crucial for our students' success during testing.

The journey ahead is filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and achievement. With our dedicated staff, supportive families, and amazing students, there's no limit to what we can accomplish. Let's continue to work together, embrace challenges, and celebrate successes as we make this school year truly remarkable.

Thank you once again for your continued support and partnership. Here's to a fantastic February and beyond!

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As part of our ongoing commitment to enhance the educational experience for our students, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) is conducting a vital survey to assess the current state of digital equity among our students and teachers. Your participation is crucial in helping us gather accurate information to improve our educational strategies and resources.

Why Your Participation Matters:

- Your responses will help us understand the level of access our students and teachers have to digital devices and high-speed internet.

- The data collected will guide our decisions in allocating resources, planning educational programs, and addressing any digital divides that may exist.

- By identifying areas of need, we can tailor our strategies to ensure every student benefits from the best possible educational experience.

How to Participate:

Click here for the online version of the survey. A paper copy went home with students today.

Your voice is essential in this endeavor. By taking a few minutes to complete the survey, you are directly contributing to the betterment of our educational system and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive in a digital learning environment.

Thank you for your time and invaluable support.

We are excited to share an easy and impactful way for you to support our school through the BoxTops for Education program. This innovative program transforms everyday purchases into financial support for our school, funding programs, and resources that benefit our students directly.

What is BoxTops for Education?

BoxTops for Education is a program designed to help communities support education and schools. By purchasing everyday items from participating brands, you can earn cash for our school with each product's BoxTop label.

How to Enroll:

1. Download the BoxTops App: Available on both the App Store and Google Play, the BoxTops app is your tool for scanning your receipts after shopping.

2. Select Our School: After downloading the app, search for and select [School Name] as your designated school to support.

3. Scan Your Receipts: Each time you shop, scan your receipt within the app. The app will automatically find eligible products and credit our school with the corresponding funds.

Why Get the App?

The BoxTops app is the easiest way to participate in the program. It tracks your contributions in real-time, lets you see our school’s earnings, and even finds special BoxTop offers to help our school earn even more.

Every BoxTop label counts, and with your participation, we can make a significant impact on the resources and opportunities available to our students. It’s a small step that can lead to big results for our school community.

Please consider joining us in this effort by downloading the app and scanning your receipts. Together, we can support our students’ education in meaningful ways.

Each month, we highlight a specific character trait that is essential to personal growth and social responsibility. This month, we are thrilled to emphasize the trait of "Caring."

Caring is about showing kindness, compassion, and empathy towards others. It involves being considerate, helping those in need, and expressing genuine concern for the well-being of those around us. This trait is a fundamental part of creating a supportive and positive school environment, where every individual feels valued and respected.

How You Can Support at Home:

- Discuss the importance of caring with your child. Share examples of how kindness and empathy can make a difference.

- Encourage your child to share, help out at home, and be thoughtful of others' feelings.

- Recognize and praise your child when you see them displaying caring behaviors.

- Share stories or examples of caring individuals from books, movies, or real life.

We invite you to join us in emphasizing the value of caring this month. By working together, we can nurture a generation of compassionate and empathetic individuals, ready to contribute positively to their communities.

Monday, Feb 5

2024-25 Budget Workshop @6:00pm Rm 404/405

Wednesday, Feb 7

Last day of Ronald McDonald House Reading Program

Cool 2B Kind Mtg @2:30pm Rm 304

Thursday, Feb 8

Ronald McDonald House Reading program donations due today

BOE Meeting @6:00pm HS library

Wednesday, Feb 14

100th day of school

Grades K - 2 Lego Club @2:30pm Primary Gym

Monday, Feb 19 - Friday, Feb 23

Mid Winter Recess

SCHOOL CLOSED

Monday, Feb 26

Classes resume

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.

For the safety and well-being of all our students, we would like to remind everyone that any and all medications that require a doctor's script must be delivered directly to the health office by a parent or guardian. It's essential that medications are not sent with students or through others. This ensures the correct handling, dosage, and administration of the medication.

We understand the challenges and inconveniences that might arise from this, but the safety of our students remains our utmost priority. If you have questions or need to make specific arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact the health office.

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.

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.