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April, 2018

Dear Switlik Families,

It’s finally Spring!  We have many activities coming up in the last couple of months of school; please be sure to stay informed by visiting our school district website regularly.  Class pages are also a very good resource to refer to in order to keep apprised of what is happening in your child’s classroom.

At this time of year, many parents call or write to the school regarding their child’s class placement for next year. Class placement is a complex process that involves the input of many educational professionals and considers many factors. The ultimate goal of the placement process is to find the best possible match between what is best for the student and what are the strengths of each teacher. I realize and appreciate your concern, but I will not honor parent requests for particular teachers. I do, however value your input and individual concerns for your child. I will accept one non-request. I will consider any concern or input that you have to offer, if you provide your concern either in writing or via e-mail to me at kmckiernan@jacksonsd.org before May 4th.   In conclusion, your input as a parent will be considered if you send it to me in writing, before Friday, May 4th.  This will allow the educational professionals sufficient time to find the most appropriate match for your child. As always, I appreciate your understanding and support in this matter.

 

It may seem hard to believe, but the school year is quickly reaching an end and our remaining time with your child is short.   In an effort to maintain a positive and safe Switlik school community learning environment, we will be reminding students of our expectations for the remaining months of school. That is, instruction will continue and students will be expected to be in good attendance, complete homework, stay focused in class, and maintain good grades. Students are expected to display appropriate behaviors and show respect for adults and peers in the school setting and on the bus. In short, our students are to be the very best examples of our Switlik Learning community.

  

It is important that each student and teacher (staff member) have a safe environment where they are free to learn. In order to sustain that environment, it is imperative to have well established criteria for student behavior. Students need to know that they are held accountable for their actions. Students choosing to make poor choices may receive lunch detention, receive Game Day Warnings, or in the most severe discipline cases be suspended from the bus or school.  Your child’s teacher or administrator will keep you informed should your child not be in accordance with expectations.  

 

We are confident that with a continued guidance and partnership between home and school, students will enjoy and celebrate all of the activities and privileges available to them.

 

Thank you to our very supportive Parent Teacher Network (PTN) and YOU, our very generous parent community!  During the month of March, teachers and children in grades Kindergarten through Fifth all participated in an amazing mindfulness program that has helped many children all over the country with stress reduction, increasing academic focus and assist with behavior.  Mrs. Shroyer and Mrs. Zoni’s class had two mystery guests in attendance, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Stephen Genco and Assistant Superintendent, Ms. Nicole Pormilli.  Children and teachers were engaged and enthusiastic in participating in the Yoga Clam moves and the mindfulness of the program.  Switlik School continues to be dedicated in providing our children and staff with the tools needed to enhance well-being.

 

Report Cards:    Please be sure you are ready to access your child’s report card on the district portal website.  Report cards will be available on the portal to parents on April 12th.  Also, please remember that if your Portal log-in does not work, please try the “Forgot My Password” link above BEFORE contacting support, as most issues will be resolved through that feature.  Please note that the “Forgot Password” link will work only with parents who have an e-mail as their login ID.  For questions or problems with your login ID’s or password (or if you do not have them), please send an email to portalsupport@jacksonsd.org and include your name and phone number, as well as your child’s name, school, grade, student ID number and the problem you are experiencing and we will respond to you as quickly as possible.

PTN Events:

School Store:  Students can shop this month on Wednesday, April 11th during lunch.

Chick-Fil-A:  Thursday, April 12th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. (Route 9 in Howell near Target) and 15% of your purchase will go to the Switlik PTN.  Please bring the flyer on the back of the newsletters that were sent home and present with your order.  There will be a prize wheel and spirit sticks for sale.  We are looking for 5th graders to be greeters and help with the wheel – signup genius link on the PTN website.

Game Show Night – Friday, April 27th!  Doors open at 6:30 p.m. – game starts at 7:00 p.m.  Registration forms were sent home with the April newsletter.  A random selection of contestants will be picked to participate in the Game Show – come to play and to cheer on your friends!  Enter your name when you come in for PRIZES to be drawn throughout the night.  Registration deadline is April 20th.

Mother’s Day Plant Sale – Our annual plant sale will take place on Friday, May 11th.  A signup genius link for parent volunteers will be posted soon, along with class shopping times on the PTN website.

Clothing Drive – May 12th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Switlik.  Drop off usable clothes, coats, shoes, blankets, linens and hard kid toys.

Blue Claws Night!  Come out Monday, May 14th to cheer on the Blue Claws at 6:35 p.m.  The 5th Grade Chorus will sing the National Anthem.  Tickets are $10.00 – questions?  Contact Ms. Temple at ctemple@jacksonsd.org  Flyers were sent home with the April newsletter.

 

Cheeburger Cheeburger Night – Join us Wednesday, May 16th and a portion of your purchase will go to Switlik!  A flyer to bring with when you dine will be posted on the PTN website.

 

There will be a shortened day of school on Thursday, March 29th, as we begin our Spring Break.  School will be closed March 30th-April 8th.  Returning to school on Monday, April 9th.  

Enjoy your holiday with family and friends!

 

Sincerely,

Kathleen McKiernan

PARCC TESTING DATES:

Grade 3

Language Arts:  April: 19,20,23,24

Math:  May: 11,14

Grade 4

Language Arts:  April: 25,26,27,30

Math:  May: 5/15,16

Grade 5

Language Arts:  May: 1,2,3,4

Math:  May: 17,18

Science: May: 30,31

Make-Ups:

Language Arts:  May: 7,8,9,10

Math:  May: 21,22,23,24