May Principal's Message

Dear Switlik Families,

 

I am sure everyone is enjoying the longer days and awaiting the warmer weather. As we transition into spring weather and get closer to the start of summer, children begin to get restless. It is important that students continue to work hard on their academics and continue to behave appropriately in school. We have lots of great activities coming up for them to enjoy!

"One School, One Book" Reading Club!

Switlik School "One Book, One School" Reading Club has just begun and will continue throughout the month of May. Please check out the link below for our teacher-led chapter read along videos (including one from yours truly) and of course for the daily trivia challenges! We hope you enjoy this book as much as we do - and please keep reading every single night!

The World According to Humphrey!

Lost and Found

Our lost and found is overflowing with student clothing collected throughout the school year. We currently have it on display in the hallway by the main office. Please encourage your child(ren) to look it over if you are missing any clothing items. All unclaimed items will be donated at the clothing drive fundraiser on Saturday May 13th.

 

Kindergarten Registration

If you have a child turning 5 years of age by October 1, 2023,  and you have not yet registered them for kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year, please contact Switlik’s main office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. It is incredibly important that parents register  during this period so we can plan ahead for the next school year. If your child will be eligible for kindergarten in September and is currently enrolled in preschool at Switlik, please contact the main office to see what is required for your child for kindergarten enrollment.

 

Student Placement

At this time of year, many parents call or write to the school regarding their child’s class placement for next year.  The ultimate goal of the placement process is to find the best possible match between what is best for the student and what the strengths of each teacher are.  Class placement is a complex process that involves the input of many educational professionals and considers many factors.  I realize and appreciate your concern, but I will not honor parent requests for particular teachers.  I do, however,

value your input and individual concerns for your child.  I will consider any concern or input that you have to offer, if you provide your concern in writing to me before May 5th.

 

Please let me explain some of the factors we need to consider in the placement process.  In making class placements, some variables carry more weight because of requirements due to special needs and state statutes.  It takes approximately six weeks to organize classes based on many factors.  Some placement factors are: student emotional needs, academic needs, social needs, occupational and physical therapy.

scheduling, classroom structure, class/grade population, resource instruction, interaction with peers, speech instruction scheduling, special education inclusion scheduling, child study team placements, balance between boys and girls, medical needs, neighborhood conflicts, former teachers of siblings, remedial reading instruction scheduling, access to special programs, present teacher’s input, and administrative input.

 

In conclusion, your input as a parent will be considered if you send it to me, in writing, before Friday, May 5, 2023.  This will allow the educational professionals sufficient time to find the most appropriate match for your child. As always, I appreciate your understanding and support in this matter.

 

Moving?

If you are moving during the summer and will be transferring your child(ren), please contact the main office Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00AM and 4:00PM. If you are moving within the Jackson School District, you will need to sign an Internal Transfer Form and provide proof of your new residency before your child’s records can be transferred. If you are moving out of the Jackson School District, you will need to sign a Student Transfer Verification Form. A transfer card and a copy of your

child(ren)’s health records(s) will be provided to register at the new school. The following information is needed to complete the transfer card: new home address, new school name, and the new school address.

 

Dates to Remember:

May 1st:  Spring Portraits

May 4th:  School Spirit Day - May the 4th Be With You:  Wear Star Wars Gear

May 5th:  School Spirit Day - Cinco de Mayo: Wear Sombrero and/or Mexican-inspired clothing

May 8th:  Shortened Day for Students (dismissal at 1:35)

May 9th-11th:  Grades 3-5 NJSLA English Testing

May 12th:  PTN Mother’s Day Plant Sale for Students 

May 16th-18th:  Grades 3-5 NJSLA Math Testing

May 16th:  Blue Claws Game 

May 22nd:  Grade 5 Orientation for Students - Goetz Middle School

May 23rd-24th:  Grade 5 NJSLA Science Testing

May 23rd:  5th Grade Parent Orientation - Goetz Middle School/6:00-7:30 p.m.

May 25th:  Kindergarten Patriotic Show

May 26th:  Shortened Day (dismissal at 1:35)

May 29th:  School Closed - Memorial Day

May 31st - Goetz Stem Night (for 5th Grade) - 6:00-8:00 p.m. (Goetz IMC)

 

Game Days:

May 24th:  Kindergarten Game Day

May 25th:  Grade 1 Game Day

May 30th:  Grade 2 Game Day

May 31st:  Grade 3 Game Day

June 1st:  Grade 4 Game Day

June 2nd:  Grade 5 Game Day

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Raymond