SALAMANDER NEWS 1/26/25

Dear Salem Families,

 

We sure hope all of our Salem families enjoyed the winter weather this past week and we thank you, all, for your flexibility and understanding as schedules and plans changed throughout the week based on WCPSS decisions for inclement weather. We do appreciate your support!

TESTING UPDATES:

 

Parents of 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade students - We are gearing up for End of Grade (EOG) testing. Please plan ahead to ensure your children are at school for EOG testing on the following dates:

Track 1 - May 20th, 21st, and 22nd (5th only for Science)

Tracks 2, 3, 4  - 6/16 (5th only for Science) , 6/17 and 6/18

 

If you have questions about EOG testing please reach out to Mr. Brandon Mize, Salem Elementary Testing Coordinator. He can be reached at bmize@wcpss.net.

 

Parents of 2nd Grade students - This year WCPSS 2nd Grade students will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT, which will take place on:

Track 1 - February 11th, 12th, and 13th

Tracks 2, 3, 4 - March 11th, 12th, and 13th

 

The CogAT assessment measures the learned reasoning abilities of students. These abilities are developed through in-school and out-of- school experiences. This assessment is part of the nomination process for placement in the AIG (Academically or Intellectually Gifted) program.  Please contact Brandon Mize (bmize@wcpss.net), Testing Coordinator, with any questions regarding the test.  Please contact Jaime Finch (jdfinch@wcpss.net), AIG teacher, with any questions regarding the AIG identification process.

It’s hard to believe it but we are already in the initial stages of planning for the 2025-2026 school year! The first step in that process is to open the Track Change Request Form window. Families may request a track change now through March 3rd. Please access the link HERE to complete this request. Please know that while we cannot guarantee requests will be honored, and  we will try our best to accommodate as many requests as possible. If you have specific questions please call the school office. Families requesting a track change will be notified of the outcome of the request no later than May 1st.

 

As families plan for the second semester please remember that regular attendance at school is critical to your child’s educational success. While we know families may choose to travel throughout the year we encourage families to do so during track outs so that students do not miss school. One major benefit of year round schooling is the regular breaks that track outs provide. Every attempt possible should be made to ensure that students are present at school when their class is tracked in. We appreciate the support of our families in this commitment to the success of all students. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Sarah Oatsvall, Principal

From the PTA:

Have you seen our new Spirit Rock?! Thank you to our amazing PTA for getting this started for us at Salem! Parents, families, and staff members can learn more about this FUNdraising opportunity on the PTA website. We are so excited about this fun addition to our campus!

 

Upcoming Dates

February 3rd - 2nd Quarter Report Cards go home (Tracks 4)

February 20th - Spring Picture Day for Tracks 1 & 3

February 20th - PTA Meeting 4:15 - 5:15

February 24th - 3rd Quarter Interim Reports go home (Tracks 3 & 4)

March 10th - International Night from 5:00 - 6:30

April 17th - Spring Fling from 5:00 - 6:30

May 7th AND 8th - Night At The Arts from (Art Show 5:00 - 6:00 and Performance 6:30 - 7:15)