Saltar's Point Otter News
1/22/26
Important Upcoming Dates
1/23 -Half day for students - students released at 12:10 pm
2/2 - Report cards available in Skyward (more info coming in ParentSquare)
2/5 - Lindquist Dental Day (see flyer below)
2/12 - Spring Picture Day (more info coming)
Every Wednesday is ACE Day and students are released at 2:10 pm (except half days)
Helpful Links
Note from the Principal - Report Cards
Dear Saltar’s Point Families,
Report cards will be available through skyward on February 2nd and I wanted to take a moment to review our reporting system. Our schools use a standards based report card. Standards based grading allows students to be more aware of what they are expected to do and their progress through the Washington State Standards.
Our school uses proficiency scores from 1 – 3. The proficiency scores are tied to the standards at each grade level. Our students are assessed against end of year standard proficiency. It is important that we as parents and teachers have honest, straight-forward conversations with our students about their learning and achievement and convey to our students that learning is a process. Some concepts and skills are more difficult than others to learn. A score of 1 or 2 while learning a new skill or concept is appropriate and not intended to be punitive. A score of 3 is the target showing end of year proficiency in a particular standard.
In this first reporting period, your student may receive a number of “NE” scores on their report card. This communicates that the standard has yet to be evaluated but will be before the end of the school year. It is appropriate for students at this time of year to receive a 1 or 2 as we have just begun to address end of year standards. If a student receives a 3 in any particular standard, it shows that they have demonstrated end of year mastery.
Our staff is always available to communicate progress with our families. Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher directly if you have any questions or concerns.
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Alex Clauson
Principal
Saltar's Point Elementary
Note from the Counselor
In the most recent school counselor lesson, students explored the topic of Identity. Identity is all about understanding who we are: our interests, strengths, values, cultures, and the experiences that make each of us unique. Students had a chance to reflect on their identity and appreciate the differences in others. I encourage you to ask your child to share something they learned about themselves and talk about your own interests, traditions, or experiences that may be new for them to learn about you.
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Sarah Williams
School Counselor
Saltar's Point Elementary School
253-983-2604
Note from Attendance
Regular school attendance is essential for student learning and success. Now that we are in the middle of cold and flu season, we understand that students may need to stay home when they are ill.
If your child is absent due to illness for five (5) or more consecutive school days, please provide the school with a doctor’s note to excuse the absence for that timeframe.
If you have any questions about attendance or need support, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office. Thank you for your partnership in supporting student learning and well-being.
Lindquist Dental Clinic
Dear Families;
Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children, a local nonprofit organization partnering with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, is offering free preventive dental services at our school on February 5th. These services are free and you will not receive a bill. If a dental issue is identified, you will be notified. For your child to participate, please complete the permission form sent home with your child.
What will happen? A dental hygienist will look at your child's teeth and make a visual assessment. They will apply fluoride varnish, a thin protective coating to keep teeth health and strong. If your child's teeth are ready, the hygienist will place dental sealants, which protect teeth from developing cavities.
Questions? Please contact Bree Giovannini, LPN at 253.983.2606 or bgiovannini@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.
Note from Health Room - When to keep your child home
Future Chefs - Culinary Competition
Calling all "Future Chefs" for our Culinary Competition!
We're inviting all future chefs to create a recipe inspired by a country or culture from anywhere in the world.
Ten lucky finalist from Saltar's Point Elementary School will be chosen as finalists to compete in our contest on March 18, 2025. As a bonus, the winner of this event will be entered in a Future Chefs National Challenge for some great prizes!
Submissions are due by February 17, 2026.
Scan the QR code in the flyer or go to futurechefschallenge.com
Note from the PTA - Spirit Gear
🎉 Saltar’s Merch Has Arrived! 🎉
We have Saltar’s merch you can order! There are so many choices for both kids and adults, including hoodies, zip-up hoodies, crewnecks, t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and totes. With multiple graphic designs and color options to choose from, there’s something for everyone.
Not only will you have some cool swag, but you’ll also be supporting our PTA!
👉 Click the link below to see all your ordering options:
https://saltarspta.givebacks.com/shop
Salmon Update
Our salmon have officially reached the Alevin stage of their life cycle! During this stage, the young salmon remain tucked safely into the gravel, where they are protected while they continue to grow and develop. Instead of searching for food, alevins rely on the yolk sac attached to their bodies, which provides all the nutrients they need during this important phase.
Students are closely observing how the salmon change each day and learning firsthand about life cycles, habitats, and the importance of protecting our local ecosystems. This stage is a quiet but exciting part of their journey!
January Lunch Menu
Community Flyers
Swing Dancing
Saturday, 2/21 @ 5:30 pm
Scan the QR code for tickets
C/O 2026 Fundraising
$20/Dozen Glazed (singles will be available)
1/30 @ Girls' JV & Varsity Basketball Games
2/6 @ Boys' JV & Varsity Basketball Games
Daddy Daughter Sweetheart Dance
Saturday 2/7 from 5 pm - 8 pm
To register: Click Here
Volunteer Reminder
We would love to have you volunteer, if you are a new parent to the district please click on the link to get signed up to volunteer.
If you are a current volunteer in the district please contact the volunteer coordinator to make sure that Saltar's Point is added to your profile.
If your student is moving up to Pioneer Middle School make sure you reach out to our volunteer coordinator to have Pioneer added to your profile.