Baltz Bulletin - Family Edition

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Believing...Achieving...Learning...Team Building...with Zeal! We are BALTZ!

This year's theme is Ready. Set. Grow! We will focus growing student achievement through a dedicated approach to equity and many other ways that our students can take actions to be safe, be kind, and be on-task!

Baltz Families,

Congratulations to our Brilliant Bears who were celebrated at our special breakfast on Friday! It was wonderful to see so many families in attendance, cheering on our students and their achievements.

This week is a short but important one! It's Kindness Week at Baltz, and we are cultivating a culture of kindness that lasts all year long. Your child can participate in the daily themed activities—be sure to check the flyer posted above for details.

On Wednesday, our 4th graders will take the Social Studies state assessment. Please ensure they get a good night's rest and arrive at school on time. As a reminder, no cell phones or smart devices are permitted in the testing environment.

To close out the week, we have February conferences. Families will receive invitations if there are concerns about their child's attendance or academic progress. If you believe a conference would be beneficial and have not received an invitation, please reach out—we're happy to work together to support your child's success!

Looking ahead, we have a long weekend! School and the office will be closed on Monday, February 17th, in observance of Presidents' Day. Enjoy the long weekend!

Wishing you all a wonderful and healthy week!

Thank you for your continued partnership!

With gratitude,

Ms. Gallagher, Mrs. Palma and Mr. Wright

Access testing begins (and the window is open through March 7)

Celebrating Black History Month!

February 10-February 13 - Kindness Week - See the Participation Flyer at the top of this newsletter!

February 12 - 4th Graders take the Social Studies State Test (see state testing schedule below)

February 14 - No School for Students - In Person Parent-Teacher Conferences

February 17 - No School for Students, office closed for President's Day

If there are concerns regarding your child's attendance or academic progress, you will receive an invitation for Parent/Guardian/Teacher Conferences on February 13 (evening), or February 14. The February conference is an opportunity to gain further understanding about your child's progress and discuss ways that you can help at home. Please be sure that you have checked for any communication (as necessary) from your child's teacher regarding conferences. We thank you for your continued support and partnership!

It is also recommended that all students have a full set of extra clothes on hand at school. The nurse office has some extra items for emergencies, but please launder and return all borrowed clothing. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.

It's that time of year!

We are seeking nominations for the 2025/26 Red Clay Teacher of the Year. Being selected as a Teacher of the Year is one of the highest honors the district bestows on Red Clay teachers.

The nomination window closes on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Teacher of the Year Nomination Form

Do you know a Behavioral Health Professional in your school who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference?

If so, please take the time to recommend this person by completing the Nomination Form by February 19, 2025 (by 11:59 pm). School staff, families, students, and community members are encouraged to participate.

BHPOY Nomination Form Link

We want to remind you to ensure that your contact information is up-to-date in our system. Keeping your details accurate helps us stay connected with you, especially during the winter season when weather-related updates or emergency alerts may be needed.

Please take a moment to review and update your contact information with your child’s school to ensure you receive timely notifications throughout the winter months.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and thank you for being an important part of our Red Clay community!

Please call us if you need help with attendance. We will do our best to listen and partner with you so that our children have a successful year! We are working to make our school environment a place where everyone can be safe, healthy and learning. Review the Attendance Matters flyers posted below to learn why daily attendance at school is so important for your child/children. We ask our families to do their best to ensure that students are on time each day, and that early dismissals are limited to emergencies only. Students are engaged in class instruction until 3:45 PM daily. Please use the Red Clay calendar posted below to assist with planning during days off/vacation. Thank you for your support.

A few families have reached out for information regarding local ESL classes. Ms. Ocasio wanted to share contact information for the following organizations that may offer ESL classes/resources for families:

Latin Community center( Centro Latino)
(302) 655-7338
403 North Van Buren Street
Wilmington, DE 19805

Literacy Delaware
(392)658-5624

Red Clay Center ( Groves Education Center)
(302) 651-2709

Brandywine Valley Church
(392) 478-4255

🏥 Did you know that we have a School Based Health Care Center right here at Baltz? If your child registered last year, they do not need to register again. If your child didn't register yet, see the forms below for more information!

This year all Red Clay Elementary schools will continue using the Remind App for home - school communication.

The district has created accounts for you. Check your email or text messages for an account invitation. If you can't find the invitation, contact your child's teacher. Once you click on the invitation, you will be able to choose the type of communication you prefer in Remind. Choose one or a combination of text messages or email for using the Remind App. Families can select the preferred language for all communications.

For more information about getting started...check out the information and video below.

At Baltz Elementary School, we follow an Off and Away Policy. Cell Phone and electronic device use is prohibited. It is our expectation that all cell phones and electronic devices are kept off and in backpacks during the school day. Any visible cell phone or electronic device may be confiscated. Confiscated items will need to be picked up by a parent or guardian in the main office.

Pautas: Los estudiantes deben usar ropa limpia que no tenga agujeros ni roturas y que sea apropiada para la estación.

The Red Clay Consolidated School District offers a voluntary low cost accident insurance for your student. Families can choose either during the school day or 24-hour coverage. The brochure is attached. Applications and fees should be sent directly to the Philadelphia Insurance Companies. There is no obligation to purchase this insurance.

Link to English Brochure

Link to Spanish Brochure

Facebook:

Follow our school on Facebook for up to date information! https://www.facebook.com/BaltzBears