Happy New Year North Salem Families!
We welcomed our students back from winter break on Thursday, January 2, and it was wonderful to see them return to school. Students were eager to share stories about their time away with both peers and staff. I hope the break was safe, restful, and peaceful for all of our families.
As we approach the midpoint of the school year, the second marking period—and first semester—will conclude on January 15. Throughout the month, teachers will be collecting a variety of mid-year data points to identify areas of growth as well as areas in need of additional support. Assessments include Acadience, which measures foundational reading skills in grades K–5; Exact Path, a diagnostic assessment in reading and math for grades 1–5; and Study Island, a standards-based benchmark assessment in reading and math for grades 3–5.
Teachers, specialists, and I will analyze this data to guide instructional and academic decisions as we move forward in the school year. As always, the staff at NSE greatly appreciates the partnership with our students’ families as we work together to maintain a safe, welcoming, and purposeful learning environment for all students.
Both the district and building have shared information related to possible Remote Learning Days. These may be called in the event the district elects to not bring students in to the buildings due to inclement weather. The possibility of using a Remote Learning Day will be called the day before to ensure students are sent home with iPads and materials. This document highlights the schedule for days such as these. Teachers will share all links via Seesaw or Schoology.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Mr. Chris Young
Principal, North Salem Elementary School
cyoung@doversd.org 717-292-8071
NSE's December Canned Food Drive was a monumental success. As a school we brought in over 2,400 items for New Hope Ministries. Green Pod was the winner of the Pajama Day as the Pod that brought in the most items.
Thank you for all those that donated!
The items on our lost and found table continue to increase. Does anything look familiar to you?
Items can be picked up at the table near the lobby or in the front office.
January brings us a new year but also brings us the flu!
What is influenza (also called flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can
cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
What are the signs and symptoms of the flu? People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms that usually start suddenly, not gradually:
● Fever or feeling feverish/chills
● Cough
● Sore throat
● Runny or stuffy nose
● Muscle or body aches
● Headaches
● Fatigue (very tired)
● Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in young children than in adults
How does the flu spread?
The flu virus is spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the
mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has
the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
When can a person with the flu spread it to others?
You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Although people
with the flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins, some otherwise healthy adults may be able to
infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young
children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others with flu viruses for an even longer time.
Should I get the flu vaccine now?
It is not too late to get vaccinated. All people 6 months of age and older are recommended to annually receive the influenza
vaccine. Getting vaccinated yourself protects people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illnesses,
like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions. While the flu vaccine is not
perfect and some people who get vaccinated may still get the flu, there is some data to suggest that flu vaccination may make
the illness milder.
How can I protect my child from catching the flu?In addition to getting an annual influenza vaccine, following everyday preventive actions can help protect your child from the flu and from other contagious illnesses as well. Teach your child to:
1. Wash hands frequently, especially before eating.
2. Get in the habit of not touching his/her eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
3. Not share "bites" of finger foods, spoons, forks, drinking cups or bottles with friends.
What should I do if my child is sick?
● As always, you should keep your sick child home.Do not send him/her to school/daycare.Use your judgement to decide if your
child can recover at home with rest and fluids, or needs to see a doctor. Call your family doctor if you have questions, and
follow his/her advice.
● Although antibiotics are not effective against viruses, antiviral medicines can help shorten the flu's course. These medications
are available only by prescription and are usually not needed in mild cases.Once again, you should follow your family doctor's
advice about your child's care.
● Keep tissues close to the sick person and have a trash bag within reach.
● Children who are sick with flu-like illness should stay home for until they are 24 hours fever free without fever reducing
medications
A few other things from the nurse’s office...
● Please make sure to turn in physical (Kdg) and dental exams (Kdg & 3rd). School physicals and
dentals are being scheduled for March and April.
● If your student has borrowed clothing, please wash and return them! We have many articles of
clothing that have not returned. It is helpful to keep extra clothing in your student’s bookbag.
● If there have been any changes to your student’s health history, please let us know!
REMOTE LEARNING DAYS
Information on DASD's Remote Learning Days can be found here.
Remote learning days may be instituted by the district when inclement weather prevents students from attending school in person. Students will use their district iPads to access their learning management system (Seesaw for Kindergarten, First, and Second Grades. Schoology for Third, Fourth, and Fifth grades.)
PARENT DROP OFF
For families who are dropping their student off in the morning, in order to help maintain appropriate traffic flow, we ask that you please remain in your vehicle, if possible, limiting the amount of time your vehicle remains parked in line. This will assist in allowing the line to keep moving.
NO SCHOOL - MONDAY, JANUARY 19
In recognition of MLK Day, School will be closed for students on Monday, January 19, 2026.
EARLY DISMISSAL - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28
Students will have a 3-hour early dismissal on Wednesday, January 28. Students will be dismissed at 12:35 PM.
END OF SECOND MARKING PERIOD
The second marking period officially ends on Thursday, January 15. Report cards will again be available virtually on Friday, January 23. Additionally, Progress Reports will be sent home with all student in grades 1 through 5 on Friday, January 23, as well.
P.R.O.U.D. REWARD
Second Marking Period P.R.O.U.D. Reward will occur on Friday, January 30.