PQ Tuesday Newsday

Principal Message

Dear Families,

Happy New Year and welcome back! As we begin 2026, we are excited to continue our collective work focused on growth, reflection, and continuous improvement for every student. We hope the break provided time for rest, renewal, and meaningful connection with family and friends as we prepare for the important work ahead.

January is Continuous Improving Learner Month, which directly aligns with our district’s commitment to helping all students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. This month provides an opportunity for students to reflect on where they are as learners, set goals, and build habits that support long-term success. Through classroom conversations and activities, students will explore the attributes of a continuously improving learner. They will explore characteristics such perseverance, self-reflection, goal setting, and a willingness to learn from challenges.

We also want to extend our sincere thanks to our teachers and the music department for the outstanding concerts before the break. Their efforts created a meaningful and joyful way to usher in the holiday season. Please see photos below.

Lastly, over the next few weeks, students will participate in the STAR and DIBELS assessments, marking our second administration of these universal screeners. These assessments are an important part of our district’s approach to using data thoughtfully and responsibly to inform instruction. They help us better understand student strengths and areas for growth, allowing us to make informed decisions about teaching, supports, and programming. We are eager to review the data to celebrate growth and identify where instructional adjustments may be needed. Once the data analysis is complete, I will share a more comprehensive overview with families. We encourage you to speak with your child about the importance of these assessments, as they are valuable tools that help guide our work in supporting every learner.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Enjoy the rest of your week.

Dr. Martin

There will be no morning or after-school band practice this week or next week! Instrument lessons are on-going during the school day.

Grade 4/5 band practices (morning and afternoon) will resume the week of January 18th.

If you are dropping your K thru 5 student off in the morning, please know that after 8:55 there will not be an adult down by the gym to assist students. Any time after 8:55am please drop your student off at the main entrance. If the buses are still there please wait until they leave. Thank you.

The Pre-K program is run for 4 year old North Salem Central School District students at Pequenakonck Elementary School (PQ). The program will be full day (9am- 2pm) and will operate on the NSCSD calendar. The lottery is chosen at random at the end of January and all parents will be notified of their child's status. If your child is chosen, they will need to be registered with the North Salem Central School District. If your child is not chosen, you will be placed on the waitlist. If you would like to be placed on the lottery list, please complete the form below. This form closes on January 26th.

UPK Lottery Entry Form

Chorus begins this week!

If your student(s) is in 4th or 5th grade and signed up for PQ's chorus group please see the flyer below for dates of chorus practices.

Wednesday January 7: After school chorus begins.

Please update School Dismissal Manager by choosing "Chorus-Wednesday" . In the note field, enter if your student will be picked up at 4:15, will go to the YMCA, or will take a Late Bus home.

Thursday January 8: Morning chorus begins.

Drop off at the main entrance at 8:15am.

Chorus Rehearsal Dates

December 16th's concert was a huge success! Students from all of 4th grade and students in 5th grade band gave wonderful performances for a big crowd that filled the gymnasium. Under the direction of Sheri Dee, the 5th grade band played several pieces and showed off how much they have grown as musicians. Kieran Franzone was able to hi-lite 4th grade's singing with the pieces he selected for their performances. Overall it was a wonderful evening of music.

Kindergarten registration is ongoing. Your student is eligible for Kindergarten in the 2026-27 school year if they turn 5 years old by December 1, 2026.

Please contact Lucy Barry to set up an appointment - (914) 669-5317 x 3056 or lbarry@northsalemschools.org

**If your student is currently in our UPK program you do NOT need to set up an appointment. A registration packet will be sent home with your student.

Any student interested in participating in NYSSMA must sign up with the district by January 28th. Piano students who study with a private teacher are encouraged to sign up by January 16th as their registration portal opens sooner. Fifth grade band students may check in with Mrs. Dee if interested.

The Sign Up Form

All Grades

This year, all children in the school receive meals at no charge regardless of household income. However, families are strongly encouraged to complete and submit the Free and Reduced-Price application as this form is used to determine eligibility benefits for State and federal funding/programs. Please read the letter linked below for more information.

Parent Letter (English version, Spanish Version)

Free and Reduced Application (English version, Spanish Version)

Grades K - 2

Author Nick Bruel (Bad Kitty books) is scheduled to visit PQ on January 29th. Thank you ABC PQ Committee and the PTO for making this happen!

Grade 4 and 5

Chorus begins this week. Please click here for dates of rehearsals. If your student is staying after school for chorus on Wednesdays, please make sure you update School Dismissal Manager.

Citizenship AND Collaboration

This student was recognized for helping friends in need and working with them to solve issues!

Mandated NYS Hearing and vision screenings have begun and we will continue screening as scheduling allows. As always, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns!

Danielle Zaetz, R.N.

Chrysta Gomes, R.N.

914-669-5414 x3043

Symptoms of Coxsackie and the Flu

When to Keep Your Child Home

Absences, Allergies, Immunizations, Medications, etc.

From Dr. VanDerStuyf

Please click below for information on Universal Free Meals and our new phone system.

August Letter to the District

The link below has information about our new school start times and the district's new policy on electronic devices - including cell phones and smart watches.

July Letter to the District

Updated District Calendar

Our district calendar was updated. Please click on the link below to view it.

Updated District Calendar