Miller Elementary Newsletter
October 2021
MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL MATA
Happy October!
We have had a wonderful first month at Miller where students have settled into routines, built strong classroom communities, and engaged in instruction.
Last year, our Parent-Teacher Team (PTT) did not meet but would like to hold a couple online meetings this year to discuss fundraising and a few other items. Our first meeting will be held via Zoom in the next couple weeks (we're still finalizing schedules). Please make sure you watch for a ParentSquare message with the exact date, time, and link.
Thank you for your continued support, especially with all the safety rules, as we work to keep everyone in school.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Warmly,
Laura Mata, Principal
SAFE RETURN TO IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION
Salem-Keizer Public Schools is working to develop plans despite rapidly evolving data and shifting circumstances. We understand these plans will impact all of you, and we are committed to a thoughtful approach that is inclusive of students, parents, staff and the community.
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School board proclaims Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15
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Reminders About Traffic Around Our School
It’s a new school year and a good time to share a few reminders about traffic around the school.
Students, parents, buses, staff and school neighbors all share the same travel routes through the neighborhood to and from the school. Peak travel times can create congestion and increase the need for safe and courteous travel practices.
Here are a few ways parents can help us create a safe, respectful and positive environment when driving near the school:
- Please drive slowly. Remember, the speed limit in a school zone when lights are flashing is 20 miles per hour.
- Please don’t park in neighbors’ driveways at any time, even if the driveway is open.
- Don’t block streets, stop in intersections or crosswalks, and please obey crossing guards’ instructions.
- Remind children to stop and look both ways before crossing streets, and to respect neighbors’ property – for example, don’t make shortcuts through neighbors’ yards.
- When lining up to pick-up or drop-off students, leave at least three feet of space between your car and the nearest driveway opening.
- Avoid lining up early for pick-up or drop-off to help minimize congestion.
- Don’t drive in bus lanes, even if no buses are present.
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SCHOOL CALENDAR
KEY DATES:
- October 5: PICTURE DAY
- October 6: International Walk and Roll Day
- October 7: Spirit Day - Miller Spirit! Wear Purple, Teal, or Miller t-shirts!
- October 8: No school - Statewide Inservice Day
- October 20-21: No school Fall Conferences - 7:30-7:30
- October 22: No school
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GUIDELINES FOR FACE COVERING
As more students and staff return to in-person learning, face coverings are required when in a Salem-Keizer Public Schools building, with situational exceptions. All employees, students and visitors must continue to wear a face covering indoors, this includes sporting events.
All students, staff, volunteers and visitors are also required to wear face coverings outdoors. This includes, but is not limited to: athletic events, outdoor PE, outdoor music, recess and arrival & dismissal. Until additional updates are provided, all physical distancing and other related requirements still apply.
If a student needs a face covering, the school has them available for students.
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2021-22 MEAL PRICES: FREE!
EDGE Student Meals
SAVE MILK!
If a student doesn’t want the milk, that’s okay! A student does not have to take a milk if they do not take an entrée.
PANDEMIC FOOD BENEFITS INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES
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SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH - You are not alone
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PARENTSQUARE
We are excited to introduce ParentSquare, a new two-way communication platform that will streamline and improve communication with families and staff. It has the functions of both Remind and SchoolMessenger and will eventually replace both platforms. It also includes appointment scheduling options, which may be very helpful for conference sign ups.
It is very important that parents keep their contact information current.
Be sure to let your school office know if you have a new address, email or phone number.
The parent or guardian marked as the primary contact in the student information system will receive automated communication.
Messages will also be sent to the student’s home phone number contained in the database, if different from the primary contact phone number.
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OREGON HEALTH PLAN FREE FOR YOUTH
Through the Oregon Health Plan, youth 19 years of age and younger have access to free health coverage, regardless of immigration status if they meet the income requirements.
More information, including income requirements and how to apply for coverage, is available online.
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HOW DO I STAY CONNECTED?
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