Family Update

Good afternoon Saltonstall families,
 
It is probably clear to everyone that the mental health needs in our community have increased.  It has been estimated that as high as 80% of school age children are suffering from some form of mental health need.  The effects of the pandemic are being experienced now and in school we see students struggling with emotional regulation, social skills, and increased negative interactions with peers.  In addition, the amount of time students spend on-line watching and participating in an online culture of extreme behaviors that are negative and shocking has made its way into our day to day. (I.E. TicTok challenges) We are responding to everything we know about and teaching the lagging skills that students need, but it will take time and consistent effort to settle things down and we ask for your help pushing our youth to see the positive and partake in positive activities at school and home that will balance out some of the negativity seen in society at large.  The good news is that students are learning. So many students are taking advantage of the small group instruction we are providing across the school. We see high levels of engagement as students work to fill in the gaps and for some push further with the small group style of instruction.  
 
Phone use in school:  There has been an increase in the use of cell phones during the school day this year for students in grades 5-8.  Phones quickly become a distraction to learning and we would like your support as work to get students to follow our rules around phones.  Students are not allowed to use their phones while in school, 8-3 pm.  Once students leave school they are free to use their phones and before school starts they can also use them.  Our policy for each day is: 1. The first time a student has their phone out during the day they get a reminder.  2. The second time they have their phone out the administrators take the phone until the end of the day.  If the problem persists beyond 1 day the phone will be taken until a parent or guardian comes and picks it up and conferences with the administration.   
 
Drop Off: Thanks to everyone for their ideas and support to help make drop off move as efficiently as possible.  There have been no permanent changes made yet based on the Police departments feedback.  So for clarification drop off on the Salem St. side of the road is for active drop off only.  If you are able to pull up and park on the opposite side of Salem St. your child can exit on the sidewalk side of the car and walk to the crossing guard.  Please do not pull in front of the crossing guard during peak drop off 7:45 – 8:00 am as that spot makes it difficult for traffic to continue to flow.  Thanks everyone for your support keeping drop off safe. 
 
Volunteers Needed:  We have had several great weeks of Friday Club and want to thank all of our awesome volunteers.  We could still use some volunteers to support clubs especially at the 8:30 -10:00 time slot for K-4.  We would also welcome volunteers from 1:25 – 1:55 to support grades 5-8.  As a reminder Friday Clubs are enrichment opportunities for students that allow teacher collaboration time to plan key instructional strategies with other teachers on their team as well as teachers teaching the same subject at a different grade level.  Friday Club benefits students and teachers!  The first session runs until Friday 11/5/21.  The second session Begins on 11/12/21 and ends on 1/7/22, (No Clubs on Friday 11/26, 12/24, and 12/31).  We are already recruiting for the second session, let us know if you can help!
 
 
MASKS:
Please help us keep our Saltonstall community safe and remind your students that masks must be worn and worn correctly while in the building. In order for the masks to be effective, they must be worn over the mouth and nose. 
 
Picture Day:
Picture day was postponed due to the company not having enough photographers to staff our day.  We have rescheduled it for November 9th.   
 
 
COVID Testing:
As many of you are aware, there seems to be more and more students testing positive for COVID. We would really like to have all Saltonstall students participate in our pool testing. This is done weekly.  We have about 60% of our students testing. We would love to have 100% participation. If you have not already done so, please fill out the paperwork found on parent square. This is the best way to keep all of our community safe. Please email with any questions.

Upcoming Events: 

• Trunk or Treat, Thursday October 28th

Thanks everyone and have a safe and healthy weekend!