November 1, 2016

Greetings Switlik Families!

It’s hard to believe that Fall is here and we are nearing the start of the holiday season. Teachers continue to work hard, designing challenging and engaging lessons for their students. Children are actively attending lessons and are reading and writing more than ever! Please continue to reinforce what is taught at school by asking your child questions and encouraging him and her to read each day. 

Fall Festival -  Our Family Fall Festival was another tremendous success.  The festivities started as excited children dressed up in their favorite costumes and enjoyed a parade around the gym with so many adoring parents, grandparents and guests as on lookers. The gym lobby displayed Fall Harvest décor as parents and children had the opportunity to partake in an auction to win one of the unique pumpkins decorated by our clever staff.  An assortment of crafts and games were stationed in the gym and all purpose room throughout the evening- prizes, treats, fun and smiles were enjoyed by all. To top the evening off, everyone bounced and skipped to the beat of a DJ while children played a variety of organized festive activities. We would like to thank Mrs. Skvarenina, Mrs. Schleckser and Mrs. Walters, our extraordinary volunteers, our exceptional staff and everyone who participated, whether you were at the event or volunteered to help behind the scenes. Special thanks to our “Bucket Filling” students who respected our building, our custodial staff who always transforms our building back into tip top shape and Jackson’s Finest Security Staff- the safety and security of our community is always our top priority!  It goes without saying that our Family Fall Festival was the highlight of the week!

November is a short month, but it is full of many activities!!!

Switlik voting polls are open!  Mock Presidential Election -On Tuesday, November 1st Switlik will be conducting a “mock” Presidential Election Day! (Please have children wear red, white, or blue that day)

With Election Day around the corner, Switlik children will make their voices heard!  Polls will open for children in grades kindergarten – fifth on Tuesday, November 1^st to participate in the 2016 presidential election. This mock presidential election platform is to provide children with the true experience of the voting process; registering, presenting a voter ID card and a printed ballot for casting their vote for President of the United States.

Did you know that student voting is a longstanding tradition? Since Franklin D. Roosevelt and Wendell Willkie went head – to –head in the 40’s, children have voted during every election and the outcomes of the vote have impressively mirrored the outcomes of every election except two:

In 1948, students selected Thomas E. Dewey over Harry S. Truman

In 1960, students selected Richard M. Nixon over John F. Kennedy

This election year, children at Switlik will decide between Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton or Republican nominee Donald Trump to be selected as the next president of the United States.

American Education Week - All parents and guests are invited to join us for American Education Week the week of November 14^th through November 18^th. This is a wonderful opportunity for all parents and guests to observe and celebrate your child’s individual achievements.  As always, please remember all visitors are required to present valid photo identification to enter the school.  Those attending American Education Week will have an opportunity to participate in winning a “Switlik Sprit Wear Basket” donated by the Parent teacher Network (PTN).

Parent Teacher Conferences- Switlik will be holding conferences Monday, November 14th through Thursday, November 17^th.   Parents can utilize the Portal system to schedule a conference with your child’s teacher.  To do this, log into your Portal account and select the CONFERENCES tab at the top. Then, select the “Request a Conference’’ link. The last day to sign up for a conference is on Friday, November 4, 2016.  We hope to see you all during conference days. This will allow you to meet with your child’s teacher and discuss their academic and social progress. ALL scheduled afternoon conferences are asked to enter and sign in through the gym doors. All evening conferences (After 6:00 p.m.) - may park and enter through the Main Entrance.

Please note the following dismissal times for Switlik students: The shortened day schedule will be in effect Monday through Thursday (11/14-11/17) for grades K-5. Students will dismiss at 1:35pm. Friday, November 18^th is a full day session of school. All students in grades K-5 will dismiss at 3:15p.m. on this day.  Light refreshments will be provided by the Jacksons Education Association immediately follow each session in the lobby.

As we enter this time of year, we all pause to reflect on what we are thankful for, being part of the Switlik community - We are very fortunate to have a school community with a nurturing staff, happy students, and caring parents. The week of November 21^st is a short week so that we may take time to celebrate with our families the traditions of Thanksgiving. There will be a shortened day schedule on Wednesday, November 23rd with school closing at 1:35 p.m. School will be closed on Thursday, November 24^th and Friday, November 25^th in celebration of Thanksgiving.

PTN Meeting-  Our PTN Meeting scheduled for November 17th has been canceled.

Important  Dates to Remember:

November 1st- Mock Presidential Election Kindergarten – Fifth Grade Students are asked to wear Red, White or Blue

November 1st – November 3rd- School Store

November 7th – November 11^th – School Closed ~ Enjoy the Fall weather with your friends and family.

November 14th – 17th - American Education Week   ~ shortened days Monday, November 14^th- November 16th.  Friday, November 17^th is a full day session of school.  School is dismissed at 3:10p.m.

November 14th – November 17th – Parent Teacher Conferences

November 23rd – Shortened Day 1:35 p.m.  Dismissal

November 24th & 25th –School is closed for Thanksgiving break

Sincerely,

Kathleen McKiernan