Saltar's Point Otter News
1/8/26
Important Upcoming Dates
1/19 - Martin Luther King Jr Day - NO SCHOOL
1/20 - Purple Up
1/21 - PTA Recess Takeover - see below for sign up info
1/23 -Half day for students - students released at 12:10 pm
Every Wednesday is ACE Day and students are released at 2:10 pm (except half days)
Helpful Links
Note from the Principal
Dear Families,
Welcome back! We hope you and your family had a restful and enjoyable winter break.
As we return to school and settle back into our routines, we want to share a general reminder about head lice and ways we can work together to prevent its spread.
At this time, there have been no reported cases of lice at school. However, we understand that some families may have experienced lice over the break, and we want to be proactive in supporting prevention efforts as students return to classrooms.
Head lice are common among school-aged children and are not related to cleanliness. Lice are spread primarily through direct head-to-head contact.
How Families Can Help Prevent Lice
We encourage families to:
Check your child’s hair regularly, especially if they have been itching or scratching their head
Avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, combs, brushes, headphones, or pillows
Encourage students to keep personal items (hats, scarves, coats) separate when possible
Tie back long hair during the school day
Remind students to avoid head-to-head contact during play
If you discover lice at home, please begin treatment promptly and continue daily checks according to treatment guidelines. Students cannot be excluded from school due to lice. While lice are inconvenient, they do not pose a health risk, and prompt treatment helps prevent further spread.
Head Lice FAQ
What are head lice?
Head lice are small insects that live on the scalp and hair. They are common in children and do not spread disease.
How do lice spread?
Lice spread through direct head-to-head contact or by sharing personal items that touch the head. They do not jump or fly.
Are lice caused by poor hygiene?
No. Lice can affect anyone, regardless of cleanliness or hair type.
What symptoms should I look for?
Common signs include itching, scratching, or a tickling feeling on the scalp. Some children may have no symptoms at all.
Does my child need to stay home if they have lice?
No. Students cannot be excluded from school due to lice. Treatment should begin as soon as lice are discovered, and families should continue regular checks.
What should I do if I have questions?
If you have concerns or need additional guidance, please contact the school office.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our school community healthy. We appreciate your support and look forward to a great start to the new year.
--
Alex Clauson
Principal
Saltar's Point Elementary
Note from the Counselor
Happy New Year! The most recent counselor lesson with students explored the theme of courage. We read The Wish Tree by Kyo Maclear and discussed what it means to show courage through kindness, standing up for others, and embracing differences. Students also watched a video featuring a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, who shared the powerful message that heroes are all around us, and that you don’t need to win a medal to be considered a hero. These conversations encouraged students to recognize everyday acts of courage in themselves and others.
---
Sarah WilliamsSchool Counselor
Saltar's Point Elementary School
Note from the Health Room - Cough Drops
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 Health Room - When to keep your child home
Note from the PTA - Recess Takeover
On January 21, the PTA is hosting the first Recess Takeover of 2026! This is a fun opportunity to volunteer and join our Otters outside during recess.
To keep our volunteers cozy, the PTA will be providing Hot Hands hand warmers for everyone helping out ❄️🧤
📌 Volunteer Reminder:
All volunteers must be cleared through the district office. Please visit the website below for volunteer criteria and the application process:
👉 https://www.steilacoom.k12.wa.us/who-we-are/departments/volunteers
Once approved, your volunteer clearance is good for 2 years ✔️
🗓️ Click here to sign up!
📧 If you have any questions, please email us at saltarspta@gmail.com
Thank you for supporting our school and making recess extra special! 💙🦦
Our Annual Salmon Journey Has Begun
Mr. Slater picked up our annual salmon eggs from Minter Creek Hatchery yesterday! They are now safely settled in the tank—those little pinkish balls resting on the rocks—and are currently at the “late eyed” stage. We expect them to hatch in just a few days!
For those new to our salmon journey, students get the amazing opportunity to observe the salmon as they grow and learn about each stage of their life cycle. When the salmon reach the Parr stage, they are released at the top of Chambers Creek, usually in the spring around Spring Break.
These are Chum Salmon, check out the different types of Pacific Salmon here.
We’re excited to watch, learn, and care for our salmon together!
The salmon eggs in our fish tank at Saltar's
Minter Creek Hatchery
One of the many rooms with many many trays of salmon eggs at Minter Creek Hatchery
January Lunch Menu
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.