Greetings Salem Elementary

Dear Elementary Families,

As we wave goodbye to the chilly winds and frosty mornings, there's a shared sense of optimism in the air. With fingers crossed, we may have bid farewell to our final winter storm last weekend. As the old saying goes, "March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers," we are hopeful that winter has indeed gone out like a lion, paving the way for April to come in like a gentle lamb.

This transition is not just about the change in weather; it's a metaphor for renewal and new beginnings. As the snow melts and the first buds of spring appear, it's a wonderful opportunity for our students to embrace the fresh energy and endless possibilities that this new season brings.

In this spirit of renewal and new beginnings, our calendar is blossoming with important dates and exciting initiatives:

State Assessments: Our Grade 3-6 students are gearing up for the state assessments scheduled this month. These evaluations provide another opportunity for our students to showcase their learning and growth. Let's encourage our young scholars to approach these assessments with confidence and determination!

Bicycle Safety: With the warmer weather inviting us outdoors, it's the perfect time for our primary students to pedal with pride. School Resource Officer Gallagher will be rolling out a bicycle safety program for our K-3 students to ensure our young cyclists understand the rules of the road, making every ride safe and enjoyable.

Community April Fool's Race: Embrace the spirit of fun and fitness with our upcoming Community April Fool's Race! It's a fantastic way for families to engage in lighthearted competition while soaking in the beauty of spring. To stir up excitement, we've arranged for a representative of the race to visit and talk to our K-3 students, providing them with all the details and the spirit of the race.

Welcoming Marlene: We are thrilled to introduce Marlene, our new student ambassador, who will be a beacon of support for our non-English speaking students. Her role is vital in ensuring all our students feel connected and supported in their learning journey.

Kim Carr, Home School Liaison: Kim Carr is on a mission to weave stronger connections between our school and our families. As our Home School Liaison, Kim is dedicated to building a vibrant, inclusive community where every family feels valued and involved.

As the days grow longer and the flowers bloom, let's come together to nurture the seeds of learning, safety, and community spirit. Here's to a bright and bustling April at Salem Elementary!

This April, we're celebrating the value of cooperation at Salem Elementary! Cooperation means working together, helping each other, and achieving more as a team, whether it's in class, on the playground, or at home. Being cooperative also includes being a good team player and playing fair.

Here are some simple ways families can encourage cooperation at home:

1. Team Projects: Engage in fun activities that require teamwork, like building a puzzle, cooking a meal together, or creating a family art project.

2. Family Games:Play board games or outdoor games that encourage teamwork and show how working together can lead to success.

3. Chores Together: Turn daily chores into a team effort. Pair up with your child to clean up, organize, or garden, highlighting how teamwork makes tasks easier and more enjoyable.

4. Celebrate Teamwork: When you see your child cooperating with others, acknowledge and praise their efforts. This reinforces the value of working together.

By fostering cooperation at home, we're helping our children learn important skills they can use at school and in life. Let's work together to make this month of cooperation a great success!

We are writing to notify you of the upcoming administration of the New York State Grade 3-6 English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Grade 5 Science assessments on the specified dates below. These assessments are not just tests; they are valuable tools that help us understand your child's learning journey better.

The insights we gather from these assessments will play a pivotal role in shaping our teaching methods, ensuring we meet the unique needs of each student. They will highlight your child's strengths and areas where they can grow, allowing us to craft personalized learning plans that nurture their academic potential.

Elementary School Testing Schedule:

ELA (Grades 3-6)

Part I- Tuesday, April 16

Part II- Wednesday, April 17

Math (Grades 3-6)

Part I- Wednesday, May 8

Part II- Thursday, May 9

Science (Grade 5)

Tuesday, May 14

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in your child's education. Together, we can help them thrive and reach their full potential. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher or Mrs. Record, the building principal.

With a bit of preparation and encouragement, your child can approach these tests confidently and enjoy the experience. Here are some cheerful tips to help them shine:

1. Restful Nights: Let's ensure your child enjoys a good night's sleep before each assessment. A refreshed mind is like a superpower for focused learning!

2. Bright Breakfasts: Kickstart the day with a yummy and nutritious breakfast at home or school. A delightful meal can fuel your child's brain for success!

3. Stay Cheerful: Remind your child that these assessments are just snapshots of their fantastic learning journey. Let's keep the spirits high and smiles big!

4. Stay Refreshed: Encourage your child to sip on water throughout the day. Hydration keeps the brain bright and the spirits high!

5. Share the Excitement: Have a cheerful chat with your child about the upcoming assessments. Celebrate their learning and share in their excitement!

Salem Elementary Preschool & Kindergarten

Parent Information Nights and Screenings

Kindergarten Parent Night Event- Thursday, April 25 at 5:45 p.m.

Join us in the primary gymnasium for a parents-only session tailored for families whose children reside in the Salem Central School district and will be five years old on or before December 1, 2024. This informative session is your opportunity to gain valuable insights into our kindergarten program, schedule your child's upcoming screening appointment, and learn essential strategies to ensure your child has a successful start. Don't miss this chance to prepare for your child's exciting journey into kindergarten!

Mark your calendars for Kindergarten Screening: Children who attended our Pre-K program will be screened on Thursday, May 16 during the school day. Screening for new Kindergarten students will be on Friday, May 17. Be sure to attend to sign up for your child’s screening appointment.

Preschool Parent Night Event: Thursday, May 2 at 5:45 p.m.

Join us in the primary gymnasium for an essential informational session about the Salem Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program (UPK) for the 2024-2025 school year. This event is designed for parents of children residing in the Salem Central School District who will be 4 years old on or before December 1, 2024. Gain comprehensive insights into the UPK program, understand the registration process, receive the date/time of your child’s screening appointment, and learn how the program can benefit your child's early education journey. The program has 20 available slots. Should we receive more than 20 applications, a lottery will determine the successful registrants.

If your child is eligible to enter Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten in September 2024 for the 2024-2025 school year and you have not yet contacted the school, please reach out to the elementary office at 518-854-9505.

Monday, Apr 1 - Friday, Apr 5

SCHOOL CLOSED FOR SPRING RECESS

Monday, Apr 8

Classes resume

PK-12 early dismissal @1:00pm due to the Solar Eclipse

Tuesday, Apr 9

Special BOE meeting@6:00pm Auditorium

K-3 Bicycle Safety

Wednesday, Apr 10

Grades 3 - 6 Lego Club @2:30pm Primary Gym

PTA Mtg @5:30pm Cafeteria

Friday, Apr 12

Quarter 3 ends

Saturday, Apr 13

43rd Annual April Fools Race-School Parking lot

9:00am 10K race

10:00am 1 mile children's race

10:30am 5K race

Monday, Apr 15

Quarter 4 begins

Tuesday, Apr 16

Grades 3 - 6 NYS ELA assessment

Wednesday, Apr 17

Grades 3 -6 NYS ELA assessment

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

Thursday, Apr 18

Grades K-6 Report Cards issued

Friday, Apr 19

PTA Movie Night@5:30pm Auditorium

Saturday, Apr 20

All County Band performance

Greenwich CSD

Time TBA

Tuesday, Apr 23

Regular BOE Meeting@6:00pm Auditorium

Thursday, Apr 25

Grade 5 & 6 Spelling Bee@1:30pm Auditorium

Kindergarten Parent Information Night@5:45pm Primary Gym

Friday, Apr 26

Superintendent's Conference Day

NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

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.