PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

I can’t believe that we are in the last month of the 2007 – 2008 school year! Time flies when you are having fun and I have had a wonderful year. Thank you for sending us your most prized possessions – your children. We are blessed with parent and volunteer support at this school for which we are extremely grateful. A very special thanks to our PTO for going far beyond the norm to add so much to our school. Thank you to the SIAC members for their efforts in the support of continuous improvement at Salk Elementary School. A huge thanks to our staff for teaching and serving our children so well.

Of course, we must remember the many support staff involved in creating a successful school environment: our office staff, instructional assistants, library aides, custodians, groundskeeper, bus drivers, cafeteria monitors, crossing guard, and facilities assistant. Our school runs smoothly because of each of you and all you give to others.

We bid a warm farewell to the following teachers who are retiring and wish them well. Iris Backer-Avrhami, Cherry Branch, Diane Haas, Marcy Ruiz, and Jane Tellez.

Our best wishes to Steve Landes who will be leaving our school.

We will see you back in August for “Meet the Teacher Day” on Thursday August 7th from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

The first day of school is Monday, August 11th. The name of your child’s teacher for the next school year will be written in your child’s report card.

Karla Carlson

QUALITY SERVICE SURVEYS
We are happy to announce that our Quality Service Surveys from parents, and students provided wonderful comments. Parents and students rated their schools’ performances and provided helpful comments. Thank you for your valuable input and especially your positive comments. Our staff works hard for the community and it feels great to see that our hard work and dedication is appreciated by you.

ARE YOU MOVING?
We have started the process of forming next year’s classes and need to know who will be here next school year. If you are planning a move over the summer and do not anticipate returning to Salk, please let the office know as soon as possible by calling the office at 472-8499. We can help you with this transition as we plan for next year. Our student population determines how many teacher contracts we will be given for next year.

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION FOR ALL STUDENTS
Parents will receive a packet mailed to their home address for current (continuing students) on July 5th to complete and we ask that you return the completed registration forms no later than July 25th in the mail (You will be provided with a mailer envelope). The packet includes a place to update addresses and phone numbers, emergency and health information, shots needed before school starts, an application for free and reduced-price meals and a cafeteria prepayment form. Another good feature of mail-in registration is that you will have more time to spend with the classroom teachers on Meet The Teacher Day Aug. 7th 5-7 p.m.

Please make sure we have your current mailing address so these important registration papers will be received. You can call our office, 472-8400 to see if we have your latest data.

NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION
We will register students new to Salk for 08/09, May 12-16, Mon.-Fri., and starting July 28th until school begins in August. Please bring shot records, address of former school, certified birth certificate, and proof of residency, School starts August 11th 2008.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Registration for Kindergarten is on going. Free full day programs are available. Children must be 5 by Aug. 31, 2008. There is a half day Young Learners Kindergarten (YLK) for students turning 5 between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31. To enroll, bring the child's birth certificate, immunization records and a document verifying residence. Any questions please call the office at 472-8499.

“ESSENTIAL 55”
“Essential 55”, are our weekly motivation rules for students to model and demonstrate acts of politeness and responsibility.
The rules in April were:

RULE # 26 – “Do not save seats in the lunchroom. If someone wants to sit down, let him or her. Do not try to exclude anyone. We are a community, and we must treat one another with respect and kindness.
RULE # – Test Taking: This week you will be taking AIMS TEST. When taking a test, it is always important to give your best effort.
RULE # 32 – “When you ride on the bus, you need to always face forward. You should never turn around to talk to other students, stick anything out of the windows or get out of your seat. When you exit the bus, thank the bus driver and remind him to have a great day.”
RULE # 27 – “If I or another teacher (or adult) here at Salk Elementary is speaking to or disciplining a student, do not look at that student. You would not want others to stare at you, if you are being reprimanded. If you are the student being talked with, do not get angry or fuss at students going passed you. If you are having a problem with someone passing, let the person you are talking with know, and let them handle the situation.

THANK YOU
A special thank you to Marlene Clark our school nurse. We appreciate all she does for the students and staff to make our school healthy and safe! Nurses Day is May 7th.

THREE CHEERS FOR OUR OFFICE STAFF
April 23rd was Secretaries Day and we want to especially thank our wonderful office staff, Pam Bloomer, Vicki Eastwood, and Beth Slade for all their hard work, dedication, and kindness. We think they’re great!!

THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS!!
We appreciate all those involved in PTO, SIAC, and all those who volunteer their time to make our school better. You make a difference and are greatly appreciated!!

TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY
Teacher Appreciation week is May 5-9. Teacher Appreciation Day is Tues. May 6th. The teachers and staff at Salk work very hard and put in many hours in the student’s behalf. Take time to thank and show your appreciation for the hard work and dedication of all our teachers and staff!!

THE YEARBOOK IS COMING!

Our 2007-2008 yearbooks are here! We will be selling the yearbooks for $14.00. Cash only will be accepted. Have your son/daughter keep an eye out for the signs around campus for more information.

SIAC COMMITTEE
If you are interested in serving on this committee call 472-8402 for more information.

ORCHESTRA SPRING CONCERT
Mark your calendars now for our Orchestra Spring Concert! It is set for Tuesday, May 13, 6:30 p.m., in the Salk Multi-Purpose Room. Students need to report to the Orchestra Room, P-9, at 6:00 to tune. Dress for the concert is the Orchestra t-shirt, and blue jeans. Our students have made tremendous progress this year, and you won't want to miss this performance. Everyone is invited!

OBSERVE “TAKE YOUR STUDENT TO WORK” DURING THE SUMMER

This year, Mesa Public Schools, in a cooperative effort with the Arizona Business and Education Coalition and the City of Mesa, will observe “Take Your Student to Work Day” on June 19.

The Ms. Foundation schedules “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work” day for late April. Because it is important that your student be in school as usual to benefit from classroom instruction, we encourage you to observe this event after the school year ends

Our district applauds the efforts of the Ms. Foundation for creating this career awareness program. We believe that exposing students to the workplace provides unique experiences that teach them about the practical application of their studies. However, we would appreciate it if you would take your child to work on a day when school is not in session.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

May 6 National Teacher Appreciation Day
May 6 6th Grade Choir Concert 7:00pm @ Freemont
May 7 National School Nurse Day
May 7 Blood Drive
May 13 Spring Orchestra Concert - 6:30 p.m.
May 15 Band Concert – 6:30 p.m.
May 15 SIAC Meeting – 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
May 15 PTO Swim Party – 6-8 p.m. @ Freemont
May 22 Last day of School

CAFETERIA
Thank you for your participation this year on our breakfast and lunch program. Just a reminder, you can purchase your meals on: MyLunchMoney.com on the computer. There is a service charge of $1.95 per transaction. You will need to know your child’s ID number and also their birth date. You can call the cafeteria manager Monica Bloodworth at 472-8417 to get their ID number.

A reminder for 6th graders who are leaving Salk School: if you will be attending any Mesa Public School, any monies on your child’s account will automatically transfer to their new school. If you are using MyLunchMoney.com you will have to set up a new account for the new school.

Thank you and have a great summer!
Monica Bloodworth

PTO
Dear Students, Parents and Families,

On behalf of our PTO board members, we would like to thank you for all of your support this year. With your help we were able to raise money to purchase Smart boards for several
classrooms. We still need a few more, so next year our fundraising goal will be to purchase enough Smart boards for the remaining classrooms. We couldn't do it without your support.

Mark your calendars for some future PTO events:
• Swim Party at Fremont Jr. Pool - Friday, May 16th, from 6-8 p.m.
• Family Night at Chuck E. Cheese-Tuesday, May 20th, from 4-8 p.m.

Sincerely,
Laura Jones, Salk PTO President

TOP O' THE SCHOOL YEAR,
Salk students, parents and staff, you have done a wonderful job collecting Box Tops this year! We turned in over $1,400.00 this school year.

I want to welcome Tower Point Trailer Park! They collected 265 Box Tops and 27 Campbell's points. Trail Riders collected 56 Box Tops and 71 Campbell's points. Thank You!

Remember that Box Tops are a year round collection opportunity! Take some time this summer and go to www.boxtops4education.com. There are many different ideas of how to collect box tops. There are collection sheets and fun craft ideas. There are also some great recipes to try this summer.

As you do your back to school shopping, some stores give a print out coupon for bonus Box Tops and Campbell's. Watch for them and send them in the first week we are back from summer break. Thank you one and all for collecting Box Tops, Campbell's Points and Tyson Project A+ strips. Box Top Lucky

DIORAMA WINNERS!
Thank you to all our participants in the Diorama Contest!! They were all wonderful and extremely difficult for the judges to choose winners. Congratulations to everyone who participated!!

Kindergarten: 1st Place Cesar Anaya
2nd Place Marco Meza
3rd Place Haley Bateman
4th Place Britney Torres

1st Grade: 1st Place Khushi Shan

2nd Grade: 1st Place Spencer Judd
2nd Place Ramon Alverez
3rd Place Evan Fetty
4th Place Noemi Delgadillo
4th Place Lauren Hernandez

3rd Grade: 1st Place Celia Garcia
2nd Place Armando Palmer
3rd Place Kelsi Brolliar
4th Place Samantha Menchaca
4th Place Tonya Espinosa

4th Grade: 1st Place Anthony Gonzales
2nd Place Kennedy Fuzy
3rd Place Caitlyn Haddix
3rd Place Karen Penman
4th Place Alejandra Garcia
4th Place Veedhi Shan

5th Grade: 1st Place Cherish Jones
2nd Place Ashley Gernstenberger

6th Grade: 1st Place Yovanni Alcantar
2nd Place Karish Benny
3rd Place Cecilia Robles
4th Place Ilse Alcantor
4th Place Mia Spiroff

FROM THE NURSE

ATTENTION SIXTH GRADE PARENTS:
Before your child can enter into seventh grade he/she will need Varicella (Chicken pox) shot or history of the disease and Tdap. If your child has not yet received the please obtain the shots at your health care provider or at the following NO Cost Clinics.

ATTENTION FIFTH GRADE PARENTS:
New immunizations requirements for entrance into sixth grade or 11 years of age are students must have a Tdap booster and Meningitis (MCV4). Most of our fifth grade students have obtained the shots. It is recommended to obtain MCV4 at 11 years of age. The school nurse will be sending a letter home to those students who have not turned 11 years or who still need the shots. Please try to schedule an appointment with your health care provider over the summer or obtain them at a NO
Cost immunization clinic below. The next scheduled immunization Clinic at Salk will be in September.

Mesa Immunization Clinic
423 N. Country Club Drive #33
Monday - Friday 8:00-4:00 pm
Closed for lunch from 12:00-1:00 pm

Mesa Fire Department
830 S. Stapley Drive
Fire Station #2 Mesa
2nd Wednesday of each month 5:00-7:00 pm

Please take your child's shot record when obtaining the shots. It is IMPORTANT after your child obtains the shots to bring a copy of the record to Salk's Health Office so the school nurse can update his/her record. If you have any questions or concerns please call the school nurse at 480 472-8407.
HEALTH EDUCATION LESSONS
6th grade Growth & Development / Communicable
disease prevention, on Thursday May 15 at 1-2pm Boys & girls are instructed separately. Permission slips will be sent home.
4th grade MOTHER /DAUGHTER Growth & Development
Friday, May 16, 1-2 pm
Letters will be sent home. Parents/ Guardian are encouraged to attend.

HOT WEATHER ALERT
May will bring warmer weather. Encourage your child to drink water, water & water. Most related heat illness, stomach aches, head aches, and feeling dizzy or due to the lack of water.

SHOES & SOCKS
Our district does not allow flip-flops or shoes that have a back strap. This is a safety issue. The best shoe for your student is a tennis shoe with socks. Stinky feet are caused by sweating feet & no socks.

HAVE A SAFE & HEALTHY SUMMER!!

COUNSELOR’S CORNER
As summer looms, you may already be dreading to hear your kids whine, “I’m bored!
There’s nothing to do!” Why put up with it? The world is full of exciting opportunities and activities to keep our little urchins occupied. The City of Mesa Parks and Recreation is offering a number of summer programs and clinics that will pull the kids away from their TVs and iPods and out of your hair.

Summer Adventure is a full-day program running May 27 to July 18, Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Kids are broken into appropriate age groups (grades 1-6), need to bring their own lunch and snacks daily, and are offered games, crafts, guest speakers, special events, field trips, movies, swimming daily and more. All students will receive a t-shirt. Cost is $98 per child per week, and sessions are held at Mendoza, Franklin South and Taylor JHS. Call (480) 644-4345 for more information.

KidsClub is a drop-in recreation program that still requires registration. Children will be supervised at the center, but they are free to enter and leave as they choose. Games, movies, crafts, special events and swimming will be provided. Two sessions are offered for a fee of $50 per session. Kid Clubs are for children entering 1st to 6th grade in the fall of 2008. Session I is May 27 to June 27, and Session II is June 30 to August 1 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Webster and Jefferson Gyms. Call (480) 644-4925 or (480) 644-4578 for more information.

Boredom Busters is an afternoon day program with activities including crafts, games, P.E. skills, guest speakers, movies, and theme parties. All students will be provided swimming time at least one day per week. This program is also for grades 1 to 6, with Session I May 27 to June 19 and Session II June 23 to July 17. Cost is $55 per session. Operation time is 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with programs offered at many Mesa schools. Call (480) 644-4345 for more information.

Sports Plus is an afternoon day camp instructing participants in a variety of sports activities, which include basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, soccer, swimming, and much more. In addition, campers will listen to guest speakers and participate in drills, contests, and more. This program is for students entering grades 4 to 6 in fall of 2008. Sessions are May 27-June 19 and June 23-July 17, Monday to Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Emerson, Hermosa Vista and Bush. Cost is $55 per session. Call (480) 644-2197 for more information.
The City of Mesa is also offering Friday field trips through the Youth Adventure Series, tennis lessons, and more. For additional information on these and other programs, call (480) 644-5300. Have a terrific summer!

GET PHYSICAL

Join Mesa's Fit City Challenge! The City of Mesa kicked off a new program in January, to help families increase activity and get healthy. May’s Fit City Challenge is:

May 31, 2008 (Please note date change!)
Red Mountain Multigenerational Center

The City of Mesa's Fit City Challenge is pleased to be working with Cartoon Network's 2008 Get Animated Tour!

In addition to various Get Animated events, activities will be held throughout the facility...climb rock walls, run the track, attend a fitness class 10 a.m. - 12 noon

If you want more family time and you want the kids to be healthy - put the two together and you can master the Mesa Fit City Challenge. Register your family online at www.mesafitcity.com or pick up an enrollment form at any of the Mesa Public Schools.

Red Mountain High School and Salk Elementary School Receive National Literacy Award RIF Honors 25 Programs and their Community Partners for ‘Linking Up for Literacy’

Red Mountain High School and their local literacy partner Salk Elementary School have received Reading Is Fundamental’s (RIF) third annual Program Excellence Honors 2008 award, sponsored by MetLife Foundation. They are among 25 honored programs that will be recognized by RIF during a celebration in Washington, D.C., June 16–18, for successfully partnering with outside organizations to advance children’s literacy in their communities.

“RIF commends these programs and their community partners for helping children and their families discover the joy of reading,” said Carol H. Rasco, RIF president and CEO. “Thanks to MetLife’s generous support, RIF can showcase the work of these great programs and share their best practices with other communities.”

Red Mountain High School, which serves more than a 1,000 children in the area, has partnered with the Salk Elementary School for 20 years. "Our partnership with the Red Mountain High School RIF program continues to be a high priority for us because it is implemented with fidelity – it has resulted in a life long impact on our Salk students. All participants benefit from this outstanding program." Karla Carlson, Salk Principal”

The 25 outstanding programs, including Red Mountain High School, were selected from a pool of approximately 3,500 RIF programs nationwide. Best practices will be collected from these winners and added to an interactive web-based Portfolio of Excellence, which includes narratives and pictures from past winners ¾ available on RIF.org.

"We are pleased to join RIF in honoring Red Mountain High School and Salk Elementary School," said Sibyl Jacobson, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. "As they spread the love of reading, they are changing lives, building community and sharing important lessons from their success."
During a three-day celebration in Washington, honorees will be recognized at an awards ceremony, and participate in workshops and information sessions. They will also visit with congressional representatives to discuss the impact of RIF programs in their community.
MetLife Foundation supports education, health, civic and cultural programs throughout the United States. In education, it emphasizes initiatives that develop the leadership of teachers and principals, and strengthen school and community relationships. The Foundation’s grant making is informed by findings from the annual MetLife Survey of the American Teacher. For more information visit www.metlife.org.
Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF), founded in 1966, motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF’s highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provides 4.6 million children with 16 million new, free books and literacy resources each year. For more information, and to access reading resources, visit RIF’s website at RIF.org.

ZAHARIS SUMMER ORCHESTRA PROGRAM

June 2nd -June 20th 2008 - Information can be found on the web at www.mpsaz.org/musiced

9:00 a.m. Intermediate Orchestra- entering 5th grade or 1 year experience
10:00 a.m. Advanced Orchestra- entering 6th grade or 2 years experience
11:00 a.m. Suzuki Transition (entering 4th grade students from Las Sendas only)
Break
1:00 p.m. Jr. High orchestra- entering 7th, 8th or 9th with more than 2 years experience

Cost is a total of $60 for the summer session from June 2-June 20th. Send payment and enrollment form for each student to:
Mesa Public Schools, Accounting, 63 E. Main Street #101 Mesa, Arizona 85201-7422

Enrollment forms can be downloaded on the web at www.mpsaz.org/musiced

These schedules are subject to change or cancellation depending on the class enrollment. If a schedule is changed and a conflict arises, the student may transfer enrollment to another school or request a refund through the first three days of classes. Programs that do not meet the minimum enrollment will be cancelled. Enroll early to help insure a program.

For questions please call 480-308-7247 or 480-308-7380

2008-2009 Calendar Mesa Public Schools

Fall Semester, 2008
Aug. 11 First Day of Classes
Sept. 1 Labor Day, No School
Oct. 8 End of 1st Quarter, 2-Hour Early Release
Oct. 9-10 October Break, No School
Nov. 11 Veterans Day, No School
Nov. 27-28 Thanksgiving Break, No School
Dec. 19 End of Semester, 2-Hour Early Release
Dec. 22 Semester Break Begins, No School

Spring Semester, 2009
Jan. 5 First Day of Second Semester
Jan. 19 MLK/Civil Rights Day, No School
Feb. 16 Presidents’ Day, No School
March 11 End of 3rd Quarter, 2-Hour Early Release
March 16-20 Spring Break, No School
April 10 April Break, No School
May 21 Last Day of Classes