Saltar's Point Otter News
9/11/25
9/17 - ACE Day - Students released at 2:10 pm
9/17 - SHSD Childhood Vaccine Clinic at Pioneer Middle School - see info below
9/19 - Choir & Marimba sign ups close (check ParentSquare for information from Mrs. Bathurst)
9/22 - Fall Picture Day
Dear Families,
At Saltar’s Point, we take student relationships and our school culture very seriously. One of our goals is to help students learn how to treat each other with kindness, respect, and understanding. An important part of this work is making sure we all use the right language when describing behaviors.
Sometimes, the word bullying is used to describe any unkind interaction. While all unkind behavior is taken seriously, not all unkind actions meet the definition of bullying. Understanding the difference helps us respond appropriately and support students in the best way possible.
Bullying is:
Repeated behavior over time,
Targeted at the same individual or group,
An imbalance of power (for example, one student using size, popularity, or social status to intimidate another).
Being unkind is:
A single instance of hurtful words or actions,
May happen in the moment without planning,
Does not involve an ongoing pattern or power imbalance.
Both bullying and unkind behavior are not acceptable at school. The difference is that bullying requires a more formal process of documentation, follow-up, and support, while unkind behavior often provides us an opportunity for immediate teaching, reflection, and repairing of relationships.
We encourage you to talk with your child about the difference between being unkind and bullying, and to help them use those words appropriately. This helps us work together more effectively to keep Saltar’s Point a safe, supportive place for every student.
Thank you,
--
Alex Clauson
Principal
Saltar's Point Elementary
Dear Families
I would like to remind you about our upcoming student survey. This survey helps me better understand how students are experiencing school and how I can continue to support their learning and sense of belonging at Saltar’s Point Elementary.
To help your student feel prepared, please take a moment to review the following survey questions with them:
Student's Name
Student's Grade
Student's Homeroom Teacher
Do you know your School Counselor's name?
Do you know what your School Counselor does at your school?
Do you know where your School Counselor's office is located?
I feel like I belong at Saltar's Point Elementary School.
How is your school year going so far?
Do you have friends at school?
How well do you handle challenges at school?
How comfortable are you sharing your ideas with your classmates?
How well do you resolve conflict with your peers?
How well do you handle pressure from others?
Is there anything that is causing you stress?
I will stay in school until I graduate from high school.
I am committed to coming to school this year.
Your support in talking through these questions will help ensure students feel confident and ready when completing the survey. If you aren't comfortable with your student completing this survey, please reach out to me directly.
Thank you,
Sarah Williams
Counselor
Saltar's Point Elementary
Dear Families,
We’d like to share a few important reminders to help our school days run smoothly:
School Hours
Doors open at 8:35 a.m. Please do not drop off prior to 8:35 a.m., we do not have supervision prior to 8:35 a.m. for students.
Classes begin promptly at 8:40 a.m.
Dismissal is at 3:10 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
Dismissal is at 2:10 p.m. on Wednesdays
Dismissal Changes
If your child’s dismissal plan changes (car rider, bus, or after-school care), please notify the office no later than 2:00 p.m. (or by 1:00 p.m. on Wednesdays). This ensures we can safely communicate changes to your child and their teacher.
Attendance
If your child will be absent, please call the school office before 9:00 a.m. or email us at saltarspointoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.
For excused absences, please provide a doctor’s note or written explanation when your child returns.
Consistent attendance is essential for learning—thank you for making school a priority!
Coming in late or leaving early?
This year we have a new tardy kiosk, this is the same system they use at the middle school and the high school.
If you are picking your student up early, please have your picture ID with you. If you have someone other than yourself picking up your student please make sure they are in your emergency contacts and that they have their picture ID when they come in.
Thank you to our families and friends for their generous donations to our Saltar's Point Move-A-Thon, in less than a week we have raised over $1,300
Move-A-Thon Prizes
- First 3 classes to $2000 gets an ice cream sundae bar
- Any class to reach $1000 gets a donut delivery to classroom
- Any student to reach $40 receives a free meal restaurant voucher
- Top earning class from each grade gets a limited edition Saltar's water bottle
- Top 10 earners overall get a fundraiser Saltar's sweatshirt
- Each student to raise $125+ gets an exclusive move-a-thon pin & water bottle sticker
- Reach school goal of $20,000
Saltar's Point Move-A-Thon
- Please scan the QR code or click the picture to get to the fundraiser website: https://www.givebacks.com/causes/saltarspta/campaigns/b8e5226b76dc/participant-center
To keep our school safe and healthy for all students, please remember:
Allergies: Many of our students have severe food allergies. Although we are not currently nut free, please avoid sending items with peanuts or tree nuts.
Sharing Food: For everyone’s safety, students should only eat the food they bring from home or receive from the school cafeteria—no sharing with others.
Healthy Choices: We encourage balanced snacks and lunches to help students stay focused and energized.
Celebrations: If you’d like to send a treat for a birthday or class event, please coordinate with your child’s teacher in advance.
Pre-Packaged Items: All food items brought to school must be in a sealed, pre-packaged container with the ingredients list clearly printed.
First Two Weeks: No celebrations with food brought to school may occur within the first two weeks of school.
Thank you for helping us make Saltar’s Point a safe, inclusive place for every student.
If your student has a fine/fee or if you want to put money on their lunch account you can pay online through https://wa-steilacoom.intouchreceipting.com/signin.
If your student has a lost book(s), the fine can be removed either from payment, finding and returning the book(s), or replacing the book.
One of the platforms SHSD uses to announce school delays or closures is the FlashAlert alert system.
FlashAlert has released a new version of their mobile app. Please first delete the existing FlashAlert app from your mobile device and then install the new version.
FlashAlert iOS app on the Apple App Store
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.