October, 2020

Dear Switlik Families,

Is it October already?  Wow, time flies when you are having fun!   September has raced by and our students have settled into routines and procedures of this new school year.

 As the very proud principal of the Switlik Elementary School, I am entitled to bragging rights. I already knew this, but it must be confirmed, Switlik is indeed an amazing school!!!  Switlik is filled with dedicated teachers and staff, which we thank for their dedication and commitment in preparing their classrooms, engaging lessons and ensuring that your children are safe.  Our secretaries for all their diligence behind the scenes, organizing, assisting parent concerns and the daily preparation in making all our jobs easier.  A huge thank you to our custodial and grounds staff for making our building and grounds shine.  We are thankful for our awesome kids and the continuous support of our Switlk Parent Community.

Student success is attributed to the partnership and the relationships we build within our community and this is MOST important now more than ever. It truly does take a village and at Switlik, we value teamwork and collaboration! Whether you are working remotely at home or in-person, education is a joint venture and we greatly appreciate the support you provide for your children at home and at school to help them meet their learning goals. 

Whether you are working remotely at home or in-person, We will do whatever it takes to ensure our students’, staff members’ and communities’ health and safety during this upcoming school year. 

 I am so happy to have our children  back in school and look forward to coming to work each day.

 If you have any questions or if we can help ease any anxiety that you may be feeling, please feel free to call us at (732) 833-4650.

 Important Reminders and Information

 Daily Health Screening: We have been successful in receiving a Daily COVID Screening from a majority of our parents. Please continue to complete your child’s Daily Health Screening. For those that require a reminder, place a post it note by the coffee pot, refrigerator or set the alarm on your cell phone.  We cannot stress enough the importance of parents filling out this form on the Parent Portal each morning that their child attends school in person. It must be filled out 30 minutes prior to your child’s arrival at school.  Completing the Daily Health Screening will eliminate your child visiting the nurse’s office in the morning.

• Please read the questions carefully! 
  • The first question is asking if your child has been FEVER-FREE for 24 hours without the help of fever-reducing medication. So the answer to this question if your child is healthy is YES.
  • If you answer incorrectly, when your child gets sent to the nurse and we call you, we can reset the form for you to answer it correctly.

Arrival:

 Parent Drop Off: 8:55 -9:05 

 Designated Drop Off Area  (Located at the back of the building-Must enter through W. Veteran’s Highway)

• Face coverings are required @ Parent Drop Off & when entering building
• Parents may not get out of the car...Students must exit car through the passenger/ Curbside only
• Students should try to practice social distancing when entering the building
• Clearly marked directional signs to assist students to grade level entrances/classrooms
• Staff will assist students and direct them to designated grade level entrances
• Staff will assist students in hallways...masks MUST be worn
• Students report directly to their classrooms (Teacher in classroom makes sure students sit in appropriate area and checks to see if students seem okay)
• Late students must use the front main entrance- Ring the bell, receptionist will meet parent at entrance to sign in their child.

 Dismissal:

 Parent Pick Up

Switlik has an average of over 60 families picking up their children each day. We thank you for your flexibility and patience as we adjusted our pick up procedures. Great job, teachers, staff, students and parents!

 Reminder: Parents that did not opt out of transportation must write a note to their child’s teacher informing them that their child will not be taking the bus and that they will be parent pick up. If the teacher does not obtain a note, the child will be placed on the bus.

 To assist us, PLEASE

• Continue to have your Photo ID visible for staff 
• Have your last name sign visible to staff  on the right side of your dashboard

 All parents/guardians are required to wear a mask in the car when picking up their child.

 October is chock full of state mandated observances.  This year, Switlik’s hybrid and remote learning community will be participating in each observance to promote the safety, respect, and compassion we have for ourselves, each other, and our entire school community.   Please join us!

Safe Schools Week – October 19 - 23

During this week, schools throughout New Jersey are observing Safe Schools Week.  Switlik will be participating in themed days to bring attention to the ways we can resolve our conflicts peacefully.  Each day, reflect on ways to promote respect and tolerance, manage our anger, resolve conflicts peacefully, support school safety and make a difference.  Let’s focus on being RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and SAFE in and out of school, with ourselves and one another. 

Please click here for schedule

Red Ribbon Week – October 26 – 30

This week and every day hereafter, we pledge to lead a drug and alcohol-free life.  Each day this week, we will show each other and our friends and family in and out of school that we will not become involved with drugs by showing all different ways we can do that.  Every day this week we will have a different theme, bringing focus to us all leading healthier, drug free lives.

Please click here for schedule

Fall Harvest Day:  will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 28^th for Group 1 Students and on Thursday, October 30^th for Group 2 Students.  In keeping with the spirit of fun, children may dress in costumes for the day.  Children who choose to participate should come to school dressed in their costumes and be prepared to remain in their costumes all day.  Please keep in mind that costumes should be comfortable, allow for children to move freely, and should NOT depict any sort of violence.  Costume masks may not be worn by children during the school day, and no fake weapons of any kind will be allowed.  Please plan to apply make-up at home.  Costumes must be school dress code appropriate. Your child’s teacher will be providing individual activities in their classrooms. in the gym.  Due to COVID protocols in place, parents/guardians/guests will not be permitted in the building this year.  Additionally, goodie-bags (to include pencils, fall treasures, etc.) will not be allowed in any classrooms or lunchroom this year.  Be sure to dress in neon or bright colors on Friday, October 30th in celebration of Red Ribbon Week!

 PTN News:

Welcome back Switlik families!   The Switlik PTN is still raising money to help support our school.   We are excited to announce our first student Pumpkin Decorating Contest.  Please use the attached flyer to register. 

Any family who purchases a PTN membership between 9/1/20 and 10/16/20 will receive a free pumpkin and entry.   

Current fundraisers:

PTN Membership ($10 per family) - Please register on Switlik PTN web page.  You can pay by Venmo (@Switlik-PTN) or pay in the Switlik online store.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScr3O4R2xCq0QNgUGnQ7Q9ARxazDaVyUaneue6dM0WwBj1nhg/viewform

KidStuff Coupon books - Please share with your friends and family.  Books are available for any region in the USA.  Switlik receives 50% profit.

https://supportourgroups.com/gn/267038

Cicconi Farms - Any purchase from 9/28-10/31 with flyer will get 10% proceeds.  See flyer

Panera, RT. 9 Howell, NJ Dine-to-Donate - On October 10th from 4 - 8pm with flyer

Scholastic Book Fair - Virtual sale 10/11 - 10/25, Switlik will earn 25% profit on purchases in our online book fair store. See more here.

School will be closed the week of November 2^nd-November 6^th.

Sincerely,

Kathleen McKiernan

Principal