November 1, 2017

Dear Switlik Families,

Parent Teacher Conferences – Switlik will be holding conferences Monday, November 13 through Thursday, November 16^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 Thursday (11/13-11/16) for grades K-5.  Students will dismiss at 1:35 p.m.  Please note that Friday, November 17^th is a full day session of school.  All students in grades K-5 will dismiss at 3:15 on this day. 

AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK SCHEDULE:
Date	Grade	Time
Monday, November 13th	5	9:45-10:15 a.m.
Tuesday, November 14th	4	9:45-10:15 a.m.
Wednesday, November 15th	3	9:45-10:15 a.m.
Thursday, November 16th	2	9:45-10:15 a.m.
Thursday, November 16th	1	9:45-10:15 a.m.
Friday, November 17th	K	9:45-10:15 a.m.

American Education Week:  All parents and guests are invited to join us for American Education Week the week of November 13^th through November 17^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.  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

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 and December calendar:

November 1^st-3^rd:             School Store

November 9th -10^th:        School Closed

November 13^th-16^th:        Parent-Teacher Conferences/Shortened Days

November 13^th-17^th:        American Education Week

November 17^th:                 School Spirit Day – Crazy Hat Day

November 22nd:                 Shortened Day

November 23-24:               School Closed

December 7^th                     Fall Make-Up Pictures

December 21^st:                 Winter Festival Parties

December 22^nd:                 Shortened Day

December 25^th-Jan 1^st:    School Closed – Winter Break

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. Skvarenina, Mrs. Schleckser and Mrs. Walters, 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” community who respected our building, our parents and custodial staff who always transforms our building back into tip top shape. It goes without saying that our Family Fall Festival was one of the highlights of the week!

PTN News:  There are many ways you can get involved at school – check out our awesome PTN.  They do so much to support our school programs with your continuous generosity.  Please join us at our next PTN Meeting on Thursday, November 16^th at 10:00 a.m. in the IMC.  Lisa Koch, Supervisor of Grants, Federal Programs & Mathematics will join us to discuss Title 1 Supplemental Programs and new initiatives within the district.

Looking Ahead:

2017-2018 Yearbook Sale – 5^th Grade Only - $10.00 if purchased through December 2017 (this special is for one book per 5^th grader).  Please purchase ads and submit baby photos by December 31. 

Grades K-4 - $15.00 if purchased through December 2017.  Prices will increase in January.   

McDonald’s Night – Wednesday, November 8^th from 4:00-8:00 p.m. (County Line Road – Shoprite).  Portion of sales will be donated to the PTN.

School Store – Switlik students can shop for school supplies on Wednesday, November 1 through Friday, November 3.  Class shopping date/times are listed on the PTN website.

Thirty-one Bag Fundraiser – Just in time for the holidays….order all of your favorite thirty-one bags and gifts and support Switlik when you shop!  Shop from your home November 1-15^th.  www.mythirtyone.com/kimberlynelson.com

An Evening in Wonderland:  Switlik’s PTN Gift Auction – Friday, November 17^th.  We hope we can count on your support with a donation toward your class basket by October 15^th.  Once lucky participating class will win a special prize!

Holiday Shop – Switlik students can shop for the special people on their holiday list from December 4-8. 

Hot Breakfast with Santa & Family Holiday Shop – Join us on Saturday, December 9^th from 9:00-11:00 a.m.  Holiday shop and Switlik items will be available for sale at this event.  Please see the PTN flyer for reservation form.  Payment of $8.00 per person and reservation form must be received by Thursday, November 30^th.

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 9^th and Friday November 10^th for the NJ Teacher’s Convention.  The week of November 20^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 22^nd with school closing at 1:35 p.m.  School will be closed on Thursday, November 23^rd and Friday, November 24^th in celebration of Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Kathleen McKiernan