Dear Santiam Students and Families,
Welcome Back! I hope you have enjoyed a wonderful summer filled with sunny days and fun experiences. Teachers and staff have been working hard to prepare for our students’ return. We have a few staffing changes and additions to share. Ms. Jill Saari is now our district Behavioral Specialist. She will be working at SES and SJSHS to support students and teachers throughout the year. We would also like to welcome Ms. Sarah Shumate as our new 5th Grade teacher and Mr. Roy Ramirez as our new evening custodian. We are honored to have them both on the Tiger team and look forward to seeing students on Tuesday, Sept 5th. It’s going to be a GREAT year!
First Day of School September 5th- Drop Off
Parents are welcome to walk students to their teacher on the first day of school between 7:40 am and 7:55 am. Greeters will be stationed at the front of the building to direct parents to the playground or the gymnasium. This is where students and teachers will gather prior to heading to class. Please be mindful of your time. This is an opportunity to walk your student on campus, say hello to the classroom teacher, and then send your student off with a high five, “Have a Great Day,” and a smile. All visitors must depart campus at 7:55 am when teachers line up students to head into class.
First Day – Kindergarten – September 11th.
During our first week of school, kindergarten students will have scheduled assessments. Class placement will be determined once those assessments are complete. Kindergartener’s first day of school will be on September 11th.
Open House September 28th.
- Stop by on Thursday, September 28th, from 6 pm to 7 pm.
- Meet teachers, check out classrooms, and take a look at some of your student’s work.
School Hours
- Student Arrival: 7:40 am – 7:55 am
- Breakfast Served In Classrooms: 7:55 am
- Tardy Bell is at 8:00 am
- School Ends: 3:20 pm
Free Breakfast & Lunch for ALL Students
Once again this year we are able to offer free breakfast & lunch to ALL students. Breakfast will be served inside classrooms from 7:55 am to 8:10 am. Lunch is scheduled between 11:15 and 12:30 based on students’ grade level. Even though these meals are provided at no cost to all students, if families typically qualify for free and reduced lunch, we encourage them to stop by the office to fill out paperwork. We will be able to use that information to provide additional services and programs as needed.
Parking Lot, Pick Up and Drop Off Safety
Please review the attached graphic for information about how to safely use our parking lot and loading zones for student pick up and drop off. We love our Tigers! Please take the time to learn our parking lot safety procedures, practice a little patience, and protect our kids.
Bus Transportation
First Student, Inc. provides bus transportation for Santiam Canyon School District If you would like transportation for your students and have not already registered for this school year, they can be reached at (541) 327-9654. Once your child is assigned to a bus number, please contact our office to let them know.
Communication
Fostering a strong connection between home and school is important to us. Here are some ways you can stay up to date on what is happening in and around Santiam Elementary:
- Santiam Elementary website updates, including our google calendar: http://ses.santiam.k12.or.us/
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Santiam.Tiger/
- Instagram @santiam_elementary_school
- Emails and Texts through School Messenger – please help us by providing a current email address and up to date mobile numbers during registration.
School Spirit – Go Tigers!
To show our Tiger pride, we wear our school colors. Our first School Color Day is Friday, September 8th. If your student has a Santiam Elementary T-shirt, this would be a great time to wear it. If they don’t, it is ok…just wear RED, BLACK or White!
Back to School Clothing and Supplies
When considering school clothes, remember that clothing needs to allow students to learn, run and play without exposing their undergarments, bellies, bare chest, or backsides. If your child prefers flip flops or sandals, be aware that our playground has bark. Splinters and injuries happen much more often when students wear open toed shoes. Students also have PE every day. So sneakers or tennis shoes are a great choice for school. Students also need weather appropriate clothing. When the skies are gray, boots and jackets keep students dry and warm. When the sun is hot, light t-shirts help keep them comfortable and cool.
Student School Supply Lists – are listed by grade level and can be found on our webpage. If your student needs a backpack or is missing supplies, please contact the front office. We will make sure your child has what they need to begin day one fully prepared.
Masks and Health Requirements:
At this time, masks are not required in the school building. However, if your child is feeling sick, please keep them home and contact the front office to report their illness. Cooperative partnerships and open communication will help us ensure our students stay safe, healthy, and in school where they can learn.
Important Dates to Remember:
- 9/5 First day of school grades 1st-5th, 7:55am- 3:20pm
- 9/8 School Day- Wear your school colors RED, BLACK, and White!
- 9/11 Kindergarten First day
- 9/15 No School
- 9/19 SES Picture Day
- 9/22 No School- Teacher Inservice
- 9/28 Open House 6-7 pm
- 9/29 No School
We are looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday! If you have any questions or need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to give us a call, stop by, or drop us an email. Enjoy these last few days of summer and take care. Go Tigers!
Sincerely,
Corrine McGinnis