Saltar's Point Otter News

Important Upcoming Dates

9/16 - 10/8 PTA Move-A-Thon fundraiser open (more info below)

9/23 - Choir sign ups end

9/29 - Choir rehearsals begin

Every Wednesday is ACE Day and students are released at 2:10 pm (except half days)

Note from the Principal

Dear Saltar’s Point Families,

Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in a student’s success. When students attend school consistently and arrive on time, they are better able to keep up with learning, maintain important routines, and feel connected to their classmates and teachers.

Washington law requires children ages 8 through 17 to attend school full-time unless they meet a recognized exception. Schools are also required to respond when unexcused absences begin to accumulate:

Families are notified after the first unexcused absence in a month.
After three unexcused absences in a month, the school must schedule a conference with the student and family.
Additional unexcused absences require further interventions and may eventually result in a formal attendance agreement, referral to a community engagement board, or a truancy petition.

Our goal is always to work with families early and identify barriers before attendance becomes a larger concern. If your child will be absent, please contact our main office as soon as possible and provide the reason for the absence. Please also plan vacations and appointments outside the school day whenever possible. Even excused absences can make it difficult for students to replace the instruction, discussion, and collaboration they miss.

We would also like to share an important safety reminder regarding bicycles and e-bikes. We are seeing more students use e-bikes, which can travel much faster and require greater awareness and control than traditional bicycles. Please review the following expectations with your child:

A properly fitted and fastened helmet should be worn every time.
Students should follow traffic laws, use safe speeds, remain alert, and watch carefully for vehicles and pedestrians.
Phones and headphones should not be used while riding.
Students should never carry passengers unless the bicycle is specifically designed and equipped for them.
Riders should slow down near the school and walk their bikes or e-bikes when entering crowded areas on campus.
Bikes and e-bikes should be secured in the designated bike-rack area.

If your family is experiencing circumstances that are affecting attendance, transportation, or your child’s ability to get to school, please contact us. We are here to help.

Alex Clauson
Principal
Saltar’s Point Elementary

Family Feedback Survey

Parents/Guardians - Our school counselor is exploring ways to better support students and families. We invite parents and caregivers to complete a brief survey to help us understand your interest in learning more about different supports and resources that may benefit your child. Your feedback will help us plan future opportunities, resources, and information for families.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZLF7tL_6MWsEVr0T2BqMKxMPYyoaLnvPnn6IwXOM7-VK0mA/viewform?usp=dialog

Thank you for partnering with us to support the social, emotional, and academic well-being of our students!

Sarah Williams

School Counselor

Saltar's Point Elementary School

253-983-2604

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Reminders from the Health Room

PLEASE READ REGARDING COUGH DROPS

IF YOUR CHILD REQUIRES COUGH DROPS AT SCHOOL, PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

Many cough drops contain medication and/or herbs. Ex. Lidocaine, Menthol, Echinacea. By

law we cannot dispense any medication type items without MD orders, parent request, and

item in original packaging. Cough drops that do not contain these things are not any better

than a hard candy.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND TO SCHOOL SOME HARD CANDY, LIKE LIFESAVERS, FOR USE WHILE YOUR CHILD IS NOT FEELING WELL.

COUGH DROPS AT SCHOOL REQUIRE A MEDICATION ORDERS FORM.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE A MEDICATION ORDERS FORM OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE REACH OUT TO THE HEALTH ROOM (253) 983-2606.

Note from District Teaching & Learning

The Instructional Materials Committee (IMC) is responsible for guiding the curriculum review and adoption process and makes recommendations to the superintendent and school board regarding instructional materials and course modification and approval. The committee also reviews course design and core instructional materials to ensure their ongoing alignment with state law, teaching and learning standards, and research-based best practices. The Steilacoom Historical School District currently has two openings for community representatives on the Instructional Materials Committee. Community representatives are appointed by the Superintendent or designee and serve a three year term. Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, September 25, 2026.

Choir Sign Up!

Hello families! Unfortunately, marimba band is now full but there is still time to sign for choir! The deadline to sign up for choir is next Wednesday September 23rd. Choir rehearsals begin Tuesday September 29th. Email Mrs. Bathurst with questions. ebathurst@steilacoom.k12.wa.us

You can sign your student up for choir HERE

Erin Bathurst

Music Specialist

Saltars Point

Lost & Found Reminder

Does your student leave the house with items like a water bottle, lunch bag, coat, hoodie, or other belongings and not come home with them? Those missing items may be in our school Lost & Found.

PTA Move-A-Thon Fundraiser

The Move-A-Thon is coming October 8th!

Visit the student center to set up your child’s fundraising page or make a donation for the move-a-thon https://www.givebacks.com/.../campaigns/892fe160cb8a05

The Move-a-thon is and opportunity for students to have a fun experience while raising money to support their school. We are looking to raise at least $25,000 to fully support the goals of the PTA including assistance funding field trips, curriculum enhancement, and student & family events. If every student raises $55, we will surpass this amount. The Move-a-thon is run by the PTA and school staff, and all funds directly benefit the school. This event is a great opportunity to ask friends and family members for support. Similar fundraising events have gotten donations from all over the country!

Every student participates in the Move-a-Thon and the whole school benefits from funds raised! Many thanks in advance for your generosity and participation! Together we can continue to make Saltar’s Point Elementary an enriching environment for our students, families, and community. If you have any questions about the fundraiser or would like to volunteer as part of the Move-a-thon event, please email saltarspta@gmail.com or send us a message on Facebook.