“Be Kind” – Throw Kindness Around Like Confetti!”

 

November 1, 2018

Dear 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.

 

Teachers and students have participated in a variety of drills these past two weeks . Building Safety and Security is always something we take very seriously at the Switlik School. Teachers discussed and practiced security procedures of these drills during the first few weeks of school. Students are aware of the importance of the various security drills; paying attention to the teacher and being extremely quiet during security drills and procedures. These drills foster student safety and are practiced on a regular basis. Please discuss with your child the importance of paying attention to the teacher and being extremely quiet. We appreciate your cooperation in this regard, as this is for the safety and security of all of our learners, and for everyone in the building.

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. Borota, Mrs. Marley, Mrs. Sgammato, Mrs. Mallen, Mrs. Fuentes and 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!

Parent Teacher Conferences – Switlik will be holding conferences Monday, November 12^th through Wednesday, November 14^th.  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 Wednesday (11/12-11/14) for grades K-5.  Students will dismiss at 1:35 p.m.  Please note that Thursday, November 15^th and Friday, November 16^th are a full day session of school.  All students in grades K-5 will dismiss at 3:15 on this day. 

American Education Week:  All parents and guests are invited to join us for American Education Week the week of November 12^th through November 16^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.  Please try to make arrangements to leave younger siblings at home so as not to distract the class during your stay.  Due to limited space, we cannot accommodate strollers in the classrooms.  Those attending American Education Week will have an opportunity to participate in winning a “Switlik Spirit Wear Basket” donated by the PTN.  Light refreshments will be provided by the Jackson Education Association immediately following each session.    Parents will have an opportunity to take a brief survey regarding our school and programs so that we may evaluate what we do well and identify areas in which we can improve.  The survey should take approximately 5 minutes to complete.  We encourage you to complete this survey. 

[AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK SCHEDULE:
Date	Grade	Time
Monday, November 12th	First	9:30-10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, November 13th	Fourth	9:30-10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, November 14th	Third	9:30-10:00 a.m.
Thursday, November 15th	Second	9:30-10:00 a.m.
Thursday, November 15th	Fifth	9:30-10:00 a.m.
Friday, November 16th	Kindergarten	9:30-10:00 a.m.

Upcoming PTN Events:

November 6th:  McDonald's Night from 4:00-8:00 p.m. the McDonald's on County Line Road will donate a portion of sales to the PTN.  Some of your favorite Switlik Staff will be there!  Please bring the voucher that was attached to the November Newsletter (also on website).

December 3-7:  Holiday Shop - Switlik students can shop for the special people on their holiday list during this week.  Sign Up Genius link including class shopping times and volunteer opportunities will be posted on website and Facebook soon.

December 8 - Color Me Mine Ornament Workshop, Breakfast with Santa and Family Holiday Shop - Join us from 9:00-11:00 a.m.  Paint an ornament from Color Me Mine and leave it for the PTN elves to get finished and returned to you before Winter Break.  Choose one of six ornaments (while supplies last) and enjoy a bagel and hot chocolate/coffee.  Visit with Santa and shop our Family Holiday Shop.  Please refer to the newsletter sent home or on the PTN website for further information.  

Save the Date!!  Friday, March 15th for Pocketbook Bingo.  More details to follow

November will be a busy month as the end of the first trimester approaches and we get ready for Parent-Teacher Conferences and American Education Week.  Please review important dates below for our November – December calendar:

November 8-9  School Closed – NJ Teacher’s Convention

November 12-14 – Parent Teacher Conferences/Shortened Days

November 12-16 – American Education Week

November 14 – School Store during Lunch Periods

November 16 – School Spirit Day – Crazy Hat Day

November 21 – Shortened Day

November 22-23  School Closed – Happy Thanksgiving

December 3-6  PTN Holiday Shop

December 6 – Picture Re-Take Day

December 20 – Winter Festival Parties

December 21 – Shortened Day

December 24-Jan 1 – School Closed – Happy Holidays!

As we enter this time of year, we all pause to reflect on what we are thankful for, being a part of the Switlik community.  We are very fortunate to have a school community with a nurturing staff, happy students and caring parents.  School will be closed on Thursday, November 8^th and Friday November 9^th for the NJ Teacher’s Convention.  The week of November 19^th 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 21^st with school closing at 1:35 p.m.  School will be closed on Thursday, November 22^nd and Friday, November 23^rd in celebration of Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Kathleen McKiernan