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Welcome Back - Fall -2019
September, 2019
Dear Switlik Families,
I hope the summer finds you rested, relaxed and enjoying the wonderful things that summer brings: family gatherings, beach days, reading and more!
As we continue to enjoy these last August days, I would like to welcome all of you to our new school year for 2019-2020 at the Switlik Elementary School. We will be opening our doors to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning students and families. I am always excited and ready to begin another school year and look forward to seeing everyone on the first day of school, Thursday, September 5th!
Together, we will continue to create a year of excellence for our children as we continue to deliver academic success and continue to create a school where safety, respect, accountability and support are highly evident!
Thank you to our teachers and staff for their dedication 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 of character is sparkling, thanks to our custodial staff for all their hard work over the summer in getting our building and grounds ready for the start of school. You all make Switlik shine!
During these first weeks of school, all kindergarten, first and second grade students will be directed to the gym by staff members in the hall and bus ramp. Teachers for these students will line up their students to be escorted to their classrooms. Please help your child learn their bus and student ID number and have them bring their bus pass to school for the first few weeks. Students attending kindergarten and first grade should wear their bus pass for the first two weeks of school to assist staff members in directing the children to the appropriate classroom.
Kindergarten Orientation: All kindergarten children and their parents are invited to attend an orientation session on Thursday, August 29th at 9:00 a.m. 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 29th at 9:00 a.m.
Attention Fourth & Fifth Grade Students: Do you have Panther Pride? Do you have school spirit? Are you interested in fundraising and making a difference? If so, Switlik Student Council might be for you! If you are interested in joining, please complete this application by Friday, September 6th https://forms.gle/936oNChXewdeTEaS8. You must complete all parts of the application in order to be considered for a position. Please keep in mind, 5th graders are only allowed to run for office. If you are selected to be in student council, meetings occur at 8:00 a.m. If you wish to be a homeroom representative or officer, you must attend all meetings. No late applications will be accepted. Once you are finished with your application, you may submit. You are not able to go back and edit, so please make sure you have filled out everything correctly. We will reach out to you once all applications are submitted. If you are running for office, please do not make any posters for your campaign.
PTN: Whether you are new to Switlik Elementary School or a returning family, I encourage you to become an active participant in your child’s education and become familiar with the myriad of activities our school offers. There are multiple opportunities throughout the year with many jobs of all sizes and shapes that are essential to the success of our school. If you’re not sure how to become involved, please ask – we’d love to have you! The Switlik PTN is always looking for parent participation! I strongly encourage all of our community to join our very active PTN. Your membership dues go to support our many cultural arts programs and assemblies for ALL students in our school. You might want to help out by volunteering for an event or committee. PTN meetings are held each month and are open to all. The first meeting of the year is Thursday, September 26th at 10:00 a.m. in the IMC. Please join us as the home-school partnership is vital to the success of all our learners.
Please click on this link to view our September Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/2761b2cb7a39/switlik-ptn-news-sept19
Important Dates to Remember:
Parent Portal: Please note that you can access the portal for your child’s school information. Placement, report cards and bus information is relayed from the Jackson School District via the portal the last week of August.
Teacher Assignments Available on Portal August 27th : For questions or problems with your Login IDs or Password (or if you do not have them), please send an e-mail to portalsupport@jacksonsd.k12.nj.us.
Lunch at School: All students with any type of food allergy will be required to sit at the designated allergy table in the cafeteria. This will remain in effect until a note is submitted to your classroom teacher indicating otherwise.
Please review with your child their Student I.D. number which also serves as their lunch number when purchasing lunch at school.
Free and Reduced Lunch: The Jackson School District encourages families in financial need to apply for Free or Reduced Lunch services. You can now apply online for Free or Reduced lunch through the PaySchools System and receive a determination immediately if you qualify. Instructions for Creating Account In PaySchools Central and Filling Out Application Link to PaySchools Central You can also pick up forms at your child's school. Forms will also be sent home with students in the first few days of school. Please visit our district website for more information. If you received benefits last year, you must re-apply by Oct. 22 to avoid an interruption in your benefits.
Bus Passes Available on Portal August 27th: Please assist your child in learning their bus number and have them bring their bus pass to school for the first few weeks.
Back to School Nights:
Kindergarten and First Grade: Monday, September 16th at 7:00 p.m. in the GYM
Second and Third Grade: Tuesday, September 17th at 7:00 p.m.
Fourth and Fifth Grade: Monday, September 23rd at 7:00 p.m.
School Spirit Day: Show your school spirit and wear red and black on Friday, September 27th -
American Education Week: November 18th- November 22nd. 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 will be posted soon.
Parent Teacher Conferences: Conferences will take place on Tuesday, November 19th through Thursday, November 21st. School will be operated on a shortened day schedule for these three days. Students will report to school at 9:05 a.m. and dismiss at 1:35 p.m.
With pride and enthusiasm, I look forward to another successful school year. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and I look forward to seeing you on or before Back to School Night. Please note that school will be closed on September 30th, October 1st and October 9th.
Sincerely,
Kathleen McKiernan