Dear SWS Community,
This past week, we conducted our annual bus safety drills. Students across all grades participated by boarding the bus, practicing how to buckle their seat belts, and safely exiting through the emergency back door. We reviewed all bus safety rules and emergency procedures to ensure our students are well-prepared for their daily rides to and from school and any upcoming field trips!
Looking ahead, our annual Week of Respect will take place during the first week of October. Information about our Spirit Week activities can be found in the flyer below. Throughout this week, we will host lessons and initiatives designed to combat bullying and promote kindness and respect in our school community.
SWEF Fall Festival
We invite you to join us for the second annual Sandyston Walpack Education Foundation (SWEF) Fall Festival on Sunday, September 29, from 1-3 p.m. The event will feature a variety of activities, including an introductory pickleball session with a coach, face painting, pickup kickball and wiffle games, and local vendor booths. Sandyston residents or Sandyston students interested in hosting a vendor table can reach out to the foundation by emailing swseducationfoundation@gmail.com.
School Attendance Awareness
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has designated September as School Attendance Awareness Month. For students to learn and achieve their fullest potential, it is essential that they attend school regularly and are actively engaged in the learning process.
This year, Sandyston Walpack School is implementing a corrective action plan to address chronic absenteeism, which is defined as missing 10 percent or more days of school for any reason—this includes both excused and unexcused absences. This means a student can be considered chronically absent by missing as few as two days of school per month over the course of the school year. Chronic absenteeism can negatively impact academic performance, leading to lower grades and standardized test scores.
Research indicates that a positive school climate and culture can help prevent chronic absenteeism and encourage consistent attendance. At SWS, we have set goals to build a sense of belonging and foster a positive school culture. Students who feel safe, supported, and engaged are more likely to attend school regularly.
In accordance with school policy, families will receive chronic absenteeism letters after a student has been absent for five days and again at ten days. Meanwhile, our school counselor, Mr. Joe, will contact families after three absences to offer support, and I will follow up personally after ten absences. If a student reaches fifteen absences, the superintendent will review the attendance records to determine if an action plan is required.
During the year we will be sharing tips and information on how you can help promote consistent attendance at home. Check out the information below to learn more about the importance of consistent school attendance.
Sincerely,
Brooke Phillips
Principal/Supervisor of Special Education
A key aspect of our students' success is regular school attendance. We believe that consistent attendance is crucial for your child’s academic and personal growth, here's why:
Routines and Responsibilities:
Consistent school attendance helps students develop important life skills such as punctuality, responsibility, and time management. These skills are valuable not only in their academic life but also in future careers and personal endeavors.
Sense of Belonging:
Routine and structure provided by regular school attendance can positively impact students' emotional well-being. Being part of a classroom community and having a consistent daily schedule can help students feel secure and supported, which in turn enhances overall mental health and readiness to learn.
Academic Achievement:
Regular attendance is directly linked to academic success. Students who attend school consistently are more likely to excel academically because they are present for vital instruction, participate in classroom activities, and benefit from continuous learning.
Support for Family and School Partnership:
When students are present in school, it strengthens the partnership between families and educators. We can better support and monitor their progress, address any challenges students may face, and work together to ensure the educational experience is both positive and productive.
We understand that occasional absences due to illness or emergencies are inevitable, and we appreciate your cooperation in keeping us informed of such instances. However, we encourage you to prioritize regular school attendance and work with us to address any concerns that might impact your child's ability to attend consistently. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
