Saltar's Point Otter News
September 12, 2024
Upcoming Important Dates
- Student pictures should be available on Friday 9/13, look for an email from Class Act Portraits
- Ace day - Wednesday 9/18 - students released at 2:10 pm.
Note from the Principal
The "Otter Way" at Saltar's Point consists of four beliefs: Otters Adapt, Otters Use Tools, Otters Persist and Otters Think of Otters. Our focus this last week was Otters Adapt. I want to take a moment to thank our families for adapting to our changes this year. Our students have done a fantastic job of getting to class on time each morning. Additionally, our students have adapted to eating lunch in the gym. This schedule has been a game changer as our students have plenty of time to eat, have the opportunity to socialize and are ready to learn after some exercise.
I would like to remind our families about pick up and drop off. It is imperative that only students go to their classroom's exterior entrance. We are a closed campus and any adult must check in at the main office. If you need to speak with your child's teacher, you may parentsquare them or set up a time for a conference. Immediately before and after school when students are arriving and departing is not a good time.
I understand the valet line in the front of the building can get long. I can also assure that the line goes quickly. If your student will be picked up after school, please do not have them meet you anyplace but in the pick up line in the front of the school The adjoining neighborhoods are not good places for student pick up as we are unable to ensure each students safety when going off campus.
It has been a fantastic start of the school year!
--
Alex Clauson
Principal
Saltar's Point Elementary
Note from the Counselor
I had my first Wednesday classes this week where we discussed Counselor Time expectations and had a lesson on The way we treat Otters matters. I broke it down into a discussion on Visible and Invisible differences and the importance of treating people the way we want to be treated. Feel free to speak with your student about what they might have learned about the lesson. (Slater, Manglona, Davis, Ms. Gaffey, Neff, Burkes, Cybulski, Rauschendorfer, and Asato.)
I’ll teach the same lesson next week to the other half of the school.
Choir & Marimba sign up
Our amazing music teacher, Mrs. Bathurst sent out sign up information for the 4th & 5th grade Choir and the 5th grade Marimba band yesterday, if you haven't seen it yet, the links are below.
Marimba sign up will stop accepting responses after 45 students have signed up.
Choir applications are due by September 22.
Note from the Attendance Team
Planned Absences
During the school year we know that things come up where you might plan on having your student out for 1 day or many days. For those occasions we ask that you fill out a Planned Absence Request.
If you know that you will be filling out a Planned Absence Request, we ask that you fill it out at least a week prior to the absent time, this gives everyone time to fill out and sign the form.
If you have any questions regarding planned absences (or any other absences) please call the front office at 253-983-2600.
Transitional Kindergarten
The District began offering Transitional Kindergarten (TK) at Anderson Island Elementary School this year. Based on enrollment capacity, we have decided to offer TK at Cherrydale Primary School and Chloe Clark Elementary School, beginning in November.
Transitional Kindergarten is an early learning program for children who do not have access to high-
quality early learning experiences prior to kindergarten. A screening process is used to determine
whether a child qualifies for the program. We have waitlists for both Cherrydale Primary and Chloe
Clark Elementary, with strong interest at both schools.
Students qualify through an application and screening process. This free program is available for
children who will turn 4 years old by August 31, 2024, and are not currently enrolled in an early learning program and demonstrate financial, academic, and/or social-emotional needs. Transitional Kindergarten will focus on essential academics, social-emotional skills, and learning habits to empower children as they launch into their academic journey.
Please visit our TK informational page, which includes an interest form to complete for families who are district residents and considering TK.
Helpful Links
Learning Fun
Working on Strategies
Students from Mr. & Mrs. Gaffey's classes worked on strategy through playing Chess and Shut The Box.
Mystery Science volcanos
Students from Ms. Oliver's class with volcano lava models.
Getting to know each other
Students from Mr. & Mrs. Gaffey's classes spent time outside getting to know each other by completing tasks given to them by fellow classmates.
Note from the PTA
Our one and only fundraiser for the Saltar’s Point PTA started on Monday!
Students will have 2 weeks to collect direct donations online or through cash or check into envelopes that will be sent home early next week.
100% of funds raised will be reinvested into our school and current students. Our goal of $20,000 will support field trips, student and family event nights, curriculum support, capital improvements, literacy programs, etc.
This year, students will earn an individual prize after raising $40 in addition to other school and class based incentives! If we meet our goal, we will host the school-favorite opportunity to dunk teachers and staff in the dunk tank!
Parents are invited to attend the culminating event on September 27 during school. Attendees must be approved volunteers with the district. Complete your application in advance on the district website.
Stay up to date by joining the PTA and following us on facebook!
Saltar’s Point PTA
Fee/Fines/Lunch Accounts
If your student has a fine/fee or if you want to put money on their lunch account you can pay online through https://wa-steilacoom.intouchreceipting.com/signin.
If your student has a lost book(s), the fine can be removed either from payment, finding and returning the book(s), or replacing the book.
September Lunch Menu
We Love Our Volunteers!
We would love to have you volunteer, if you are a new parent to the district please click on the link to get signed up to volunteer. If you are a current volunteer in the district please contact the volunteer coordinator to make sure that Saltar's Point is added to your profile.