October 2023
Message from the Principal
Promoting Unity and Kindness
Dear Zoller Elementary School Community,
As we welcome the colorful leaves and cooler temperatures of October, we want to remind our students and parents about the importance of unity, respect, and anti-bullying efforts within our school. This month, we are excited to announce that we will be celebrating Unity Day and continuing our ongoing commitment to Second Step, a program designed to promote social-emotional learning and prevent bullying.
Unity Day - October 18th, 2023
Unity Day is a special occasion when our entire school comes together to celebrate the values of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. On October 18th, we encourage all students, teachers, and staff to wear the color orange to show their support for Unity Day. The color orange symbolizes our collective stand against bullying and our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment for all.
We will hold a Unity Day assembly with presentations from the Student Support Team, the student-led Kindness Committee and the PBIS Committee to reinforce the importance of unity and respect in our school. Unity Day is a reminder that when we stand together, we can create a safe and inclusive space for everyone at Zoller Elementary School.
Second Step: Building Social-Emotional Skills
Our commitment to anti-bullying goes beyond just one day. Throughout the year, Zoller Elementary School incorporates the Second Step program into our curriculum. Second Step is a research-based program that helps students build valuable social-emotional skills, including empathy, communication, and conflict resolution.
Through this program, students learn how to identify and address bullying behaviors and understand the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. By cultivating these skills, we empower our students to become caring, responsible, and emotionally intelligent individuals.
We look forward to a year full of valuable learning experiences, unity, and anti-bullying efforts. Together, we can make a difference and create a positive, inclusive atmosphere here at Zoller Elementary School.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our school community.
Warm regards,
Desmond O'Connor
Contact Information
School Phone Directory—518-881-3880
Principal - Mr. O’Connor - oconnord@schenectadyschool.org
Assistant Principal - Mr. Lichten - lichtent@schenectadyschool.org
School Nurse - Mrs. Gutowski - gutowskid@schenectadyschool.org
Parent Liaisons - Mrs. Matthews & Mrs. Rodriguez - matthewst@schectadyschools.org - rodriguezj@schecetadyschools.org
Reminders
10/18-Unity Day assembly--Students are encouraged to wear orange
11/2--PTO event--Zollerween dance @ 5-7
11/14–PTO meeting at 5:30 in the Cafeteria
Safety
For the safety and security of our students, all exterior doors are locked at all times. If you need to access the school, please ring the doorbell at the front door.
For the safety of students and staff please do not bring dogs on school property during pick up and drop off times.
🌟 Join Us at Zoller Elementary School for the PTO Zollerween Dance! 🌟
🎃 Are you ready for a spooktacular evening of dancing and fun? 🎃
📅 Date: November 2nd 🕒 Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
🏫 Location: Zoller Elementary School Gymnasium
🦇 Calling all little monsters, ghouls, and witches! 🧙♀️
Get ready to put on your Halloween costumes and join us for an enchanting evening of music, dancing, and laughter at the Zollerween Dance. This is the Halloween event you won't want to miss!
The PTO will be sending home ticket information information with your student on Monday 10/23.
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help out, please email Mrs. Matthews matthewst@schenectadyschools.org
🦉 We can't wait to see you there for a hauntingly good time at Zoller Elementary School's Zollerween Dance! 🦉
School Nurse Corner - Important Announcements
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We hope this message finds you well. As we enter the new school year, we would like to bring your attention to some important matters related to the health and well-being of our students.
Required Physical Examinations for Grades K, 1, 3, and 5:
It is essential that all students in grades Kindergarten, 1, 3, and 5 have a current physical examination on file. Regular physical exams help ensure the health and well-being of your child. If your child has not had a recent physical examination, we kindly ask that you schedule one with your healthcare provider and provide the necessary documentation to the school as soon as possible.
Students with cold symptoms and a fever:
In the interest of maintaining a healthy and safe environment for all our students and staff, we kindly request that you keep your child at home if they exhibit cold symptoms and have a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This measure helps prevent the potential spread of illnesses within the school community.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in these matters. The health and safety of our students are of the utmost importance, and your support in these efforts is vital. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school nurse's office.
Wishing everyone a healthy and successful school year!
Warm Regards,
Nurse Gutowski
Dear Families,
We are excited to announce that we a have a STEM/Library class this year. We will be adding a makerspace to our classroom. A makerspace is a place where students are encouraged to create, tinker, explore, discover, and invent using a variety of tools and materials. Students work independently and collaboratively to solve real-world problems through hands-on exploration. We need your help collecting some supplies. Any item that you can donate is a huge help. Thank you for your support!
We need:
Empty paper towel rolls
Empty toilet paper rolls
Empty cereal boxes
Sincerely,
Mrs. Koetzle
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