Update from Principal Evans 08/14/2017
Solar Eclipse Viewing at Salem on August 21st
There will be a partial solar eclipse on August 21st from 1:16 PM until 4:06 PM with the peak of the eclipse being at 2:44 PM. We intend to study the eclipse next week in all classes to teach students the science of eclipses and important safety precautions. We will view the eclipse with our students using glasses donated to the school by NASA. To participate in the eclipse, students will need to return a signed release that will be sent home this week and posted on the school website for Track 3 parents to sign and return on August 21st. Any students who do not return the signed release (including witness signature), or whose parents would prefer they not participate, will have the opportunity to watch the eclipse live on TV or streaming. If you do not feel confident that your child will follow instructions to keep his/her glasses on during the eclipse, please let the teacher know, and we will keep your child inside. Preschool, CCK, and autism support classes will not go outside, but they will be participating in the day's events in the classroom. We will be looking for many parent volunteers to help out on this day. If you are able to help out, please email your child's teacher. Please let the teacher know if you are able to help wherever needed or only with your child's class. We only have enough eclipse glasses for our students, but parents are welcome to join us for the event. If you would rather watch the eclipse at home with your child, all educational leave requests will be approved. Educational leave requests are available on the school website and will be sent home next week.
Excused Absence for Education Reasons
Solar Eclipse Viewing Schedule (approximate and subject to change)
5: 2:15-2:55 (40 minutes) - may complete additional study at other times
4: 2:15-2:55 (40 minutes)
3: 2:20-2:50 (30 minutes)
2: 2:25-2:50 (25 minutes)
1: 2:30-2:45 (15 minutes)
K: 2:30-2:45 (15 minutes)
Upcoming Dates
- August 15, 9:15 AM: Beginning of Grade test for grade 3 students on track 4 only. Please ensure that your child is here on time.
- August 16, 5:30: Track 4 open house. Come learn more about the classroom curriculum, procedures, expectations, and communication. The first session will be 5:30-6:00. The second session will be 6:30-7:00. In between, from 6:00-6:30, there will be a general Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting open to all parents.
- August 18, 1:15 PM: Early release for staff professional development. Carpool and bus departures will start at 1:15.
- August 21, 1:16-4:06 PM: Partial solar eclipse
- August 22-24, 9:15 each day: CogAt testing (part of gifted education testing process) for grade 3 students on track 1 only.
- August 29: Fall pictures for track 3 & 4 students only
- September 1: Interims sent home for tracks 3 & 4 students only
- September 8, 8:00-9:00 AM: Grandparent breakfast for tracks 1 & 3 students only
- September 11, 8:00-9:00 AM: Grandparent breakfast for tracks 2 & 4 students only
- September 12-14: CogAt testing (part of gifted education testing process) for grade 3 students on tracks 2-4 only.