November, 2019

November 1, 2019

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 months. 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 all 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 Guard – Officer Tony.  The safety and security of our community is always our top priority! 

Ocean County 2019 Youth Conference for 5^th Graders & Parents:  Don’t Get Vaped IN:  Healthy Bodies, Friendships and Choices:  Ocean County 5^th graders and one parent or guardian are invited to learn about local law enforcement, services, resources and how you can keep our community healthy and safe.  Monday, November 18, 2019 – doors open at 5:00 p.m., buffet dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center (815 Route 37 West, Toms River).  Space is limited!  Register by November 8^th to 732-506-5374 or smascola@co.ocean.nj.us.  This is a free event.

Parent Teacher Conferences – Switlik will be holding conferences Tuesday, November 19^th-Thursday, November 21^st.    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 Tuesday through Thursday (11/19-11/21) for grades K-5.  Students will dismiss at 1:35 p.m.  Please note that Monday, November 18^th and Friday, November 22^nd 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 18^th through November 22^nd  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.  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 a few minutes to complete.  We encourage you to complete this survey. 

American Education Week Schedule (all sessions are from 9:30-10:00 a.m.):

Monday, November 18^th – First Grade

Tuesday, November 19^th – Fourth Grade

Wednesday, November 20^th – Third Grade and SOLVE

Thursday, November 21^st – Second and Fifth Grade

Friday, November 22^nd – Kindergarten

PTN:  Please join us on November 21st at 10:00 a.m. for our next PTN Meeting.  Please click on the following link to view the PTN's November News Letter:

 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 7-8  School Closed – NJ Teacher’s Convention

November 13 – School Store during Lunch Periods

November 15 – School Spirit Day – Crazy Hat Day

November 19-21 – Parent Teacher Conferences/Shortened Days

November 18-22 – American Education Week

November 21 – PTN Meeting/10:00 a.m.  – IMC

November 26 – Picture Re-Take Day

November 27 – Shortened Day

November 28-29  School Closed – Happy Thanksgiving

December 2-6  PTN Holiday Shop

December 19 – Winter Festival Parties

December 20 – Shortened Day

December 23-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 an extraordinary 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 7^th and Friday November 8^th for the NJ Teacher’s Convention.  The week of November 25^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 27^th with school closing at 1:35 p.m.  School will be closed on Thursday, November 28^th and Friday, November 29^th in celebration of Thanksgiving.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS SHORTENED DAYS/SCHOOL CLOSED:

School Closed:  November 7^th, 8^th, 28^th & 29^th

Shortened Days:  November 19^th, 20^th, 21^st  & 27^th

Sincerely,

Kathleen McKiernan