Family Newsletter

Dear Seymour Smith Community:

As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

-John Fitzgerald Kennedy

I truly feel that the SSSILC Family lives by the words of JFK. We are thankful at SSILC for the new beginnings each and every day. Each and every day we spend with your children is another gift full of possibilities. It makes the learning process a demonstration of growth, an opportunity to make changes, and presents a time for reflection. As we embark on a season of gratitude, I did not want to overlook the many blessings we can count on during the school year, including your support. Thank you for all that you do to partner with us to support the children.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of our Veterans in our community. It is because of their honor, dedication, and sacrifice, that we are able to give thanks, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy a peaceful mealtime with those we care about.

Finally, best wishes for a safe and healthy Thanksgiving Season.

Email: j.roberts@ppcsd.org
Website: https://ssilc.ppcsd.org/
Location: 41 Academy Street, Pine Plains, NY, USA
Phone: (518)398-3000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057149363085

As we approach cold and flu season, please remind your child that proper hand washing is important. Students should always wash their hands when returning home from school, too – an area I often overlook as a parent. Also, the PPCSD has a form, accessible online for over-the-counter medication (https://www.ppcsd.org/departments/health-services). It is a form to file with our Health Office granting permission to the School Nurse to administer over-the-counter medication to students as needed during school hours. The form needs to be signed by a physician and a parent/guardian yearly. Students should not be using these over-the-counter item outside of the Nurse’s supervision with a copy of this form on file, nor should they carry it on their person at any time. This guidance is provided by the NYS Education Department and the Department of Health. It includes: aspirin, antibiotic ointment, and TUMS. If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Funk for further clarification.

The cold weather will be upon us (even after this gorgeous week) and it is important to send your child to school appropriately dressed. Our general guidelines for the winter include “real feel” below 32 degrees – coat, long pants, gloves, hat/hood are required. For “real feel” below 10, or icy conditions, outdoor recess is cancelled.

Thanks for your support!

November 3

Daylight Savings Time

November 5

Superintendent's Conference Day - No School for Students

November 6

BOE meets

November 8

End of Quarter 1

Kids Night Out

Holiday Meal RSVP

Wear red, white, and blue!

November 11

No School – Thank a Veteran

November 13

Picture Retakes

PTA meets

November 15

Report Cards come home

November 18-22

Substitute Appreciation Week

November 18

BLT meets

November 20

Holiday Meal

BOE meets

November 22

Fibonacci Day

PTA School Store

November 25

Safety Team meets

November 26

Emergency Early Dismissal Drill (15 min)

November 27-29

Thanksgiving Recess

The District is planning an early dismissal drill on Tuesday 11/26. All students will be dismissed 15 minutes earlier that usual following their "usual" dismissal plans, just earlier. Please plan on picking up your child 15 minutes earlier, or expecting them to arrive home 15 minutes earlier on the bus, whichever is their "usual" dismissal plan.

Don't forget to RSVP by November 8th for our Holiday Meal. We'd like for our SSILC students to spend some time honoring the veterans in their lives, those special grandparents or grandfriends, or anyone they wish to celebrate and show appreciation for. The cost for visitors is $5.43 for the meal.

If you pick your child up during the school day, even at dismissal, please come right up to the front door and communicate with the greeter. At times, we have parents/guardians waiting down the sidewalk, and we are unable to confirm their identity. In addition, we may have "sub greeters" who may not be as familiar with names and faces, and will have to converse with parents/guardians or even ask for identification to ensure a safe and smooth pick-up process. Thank you for your attention to this matter.