Welcome to the 2018-2019 School Year!

Dear Switlik Families,

The first day of school for all students will be Thursday, September 6^th.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful and relaxing summer! It is important that we “recharge our batteries” by resting and relaxing, and I trust that our students embraced the idea whole heartedly. As fun as it is to stay up and sleep late, I believe that getting back to a routine and a schedule is just as important.

I am always excited and ready to begin another school year. I will start my seventh year as the principal of the Switlik Elementary School with “admiration” of my staff, my students and my parent community. I continue to love being a part of this community and leading this amazing school!

Thank you to our dedicated teachers and staff for all their enthusiasm and commitment in preparing their classrooms to provide engaging and supportive learning opportunities. Thank you to our secretaries who answer our phones and have done many behind the scenes organizational tasks. Our building is sparkling, thanks to our custodial staff for all their hard work over the summer in getting our grounds ready for the start of the school. They all make Switlik shine!

We begin the school year with some exciting changes! This summer, our front office, nurse’s office and library received a face lift! Buildings, grounds and our IT department strategized in removing and delivering furniture, removing and installing new ceiling and floor tiles, walls have been repainted and more……..

The Switlik Elementary School cordially invites its members of the Switlik School community to celebrate the grand opening of our 21^st Century Library on Thursday, September 27^th at 10:00 a.m.

Student Assignments

The Elementary Portal opens on Tuesday, August 28^th. You may use your Portal Access Information to obtain student schedules.

Kindergarten Orientation:

All kindergarten children and their parents are invited to attend an orientation session on Thursday, August 30st at 9:00am in the All Purpose Room. This orientation will allow the children to meet their teachers, learn a little about what a kindergarten day looks like and give our newest students the opportunity to sit on the big yellow school bus. The students will learn bus expectations and how to navigate getting safely on and off the bus. While the children are involved in these activities, parents will learn about the Kindergarten day, our wonderful school, and the curriculum. The program will last approximately one (1) hour. We look forward to seeing all our new Kindergarten students and their parents on Thursday, August 30th at 9:00 am.

Transportation:

Bus passes will be available on the portal on Tuesday, August 28th. Please assist your child in learning their bus number and have them bring their bus pass to school for the first few weeks. During these first weeks of school, all kindergarten, first, and second grade students will be directed to the gym, by staff on the bus ramp and parent drop off. Students will be greeted by their teacher in gym and escorted to their classrooms. Please help your child learn their bus and student ID number. Students attending Kindergarten and First Grade should wear their bus pass for the first two weeks of school to assist staff in directing children to the appropriate classroom and bus.

Back to School Nights:

Kindergarten & Grade One: Monday, September 17th at 7:00 PM in the GYM

Grades Second & Third: Thursday, September 20th at 7:00 PM

Grade Fourth & Fifth: Thursday, September 27th at 7:00 PM

American Education Week:

During American Education Week we invite you to come to your child's classroom to

observe a lesson or help with a hands-on activity. Classroom visits are as follows:

Monday, November 12th	Grade 5
Tuesday, November 13^th	Grade 4
Wednesday, November 14^th	Grade 3
Thursday, November 15^th	Grade 2
Thursday, November 16^th	Grade 1
Friday, November 17^th	Kindergarten

Parent/Teacher Conferences: Students will be on a shortened day schedule during conferences; dismissing at 1:35 p.m. on:

Monday, November 12th

Tuesday, November 13th

Wednesday, November 14^th

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to be involved with us in some way or another. Parents can join the PTN, volunteer in classrooms, attend field trips, help at evening events attend American Education Week and read with their children on a daily basis. Children love seeing their parents involved in some way at school. We hope to see you at our first PTN meeting on Thursday, September 27th at 10:00 am in our new 21st Century Library! I would be remiss if I did not continue to thank you for your ongoing support and the best part of Switlik School… your awesome children. I love coming to school every day, enjoy walking the perimeter of the building before and after school just to wave and say “hello”. I am humble every day to be your leader at the Switlik School.

I look forward to a successful school year!

Fondly,

Kathleen McKiernan