The weather certainly surprised us at the beginning of this week. Once again, our incredible staff showed how much they care about our students and families. We thank them for always putting our children first -- for keeping them safe and warm and helping them transition back to school.
On Friday, Wake County Public Schools sent an email to families about the possibility of additional bus driver shortages this week. The rise in COVID numbers mean that many of our bus drivers are unable to drive their routes. Please check your child's bus status every day. The direct link to the Swift Creek bus routes is www.wcpss.net/Page/1899. Please note that if buses are not running this will mean an increase in carpool traffic, which could make the lines a bit longer. I know our staff will do what they can to get us through the line as efficiently and safely as possible, but definitely allow yourself a few extra minutes, especially in the afternoon.
We will not have our January PTA meeting this Tuesday, Jan 11. We hope to have a virtual awards ceremony for the Science Fair on Thursday evening; however, due to illness, we might have to postpone that event to a later date. An announcement will be made when our plans are finalized.
Thank you so much for your patience and understanding during this challenging time. We hope your family is staying safe. If there is something that we can do to help your family during this trying time, please let us know. We are #BetterTogether!
Have a good week!
Marie Dexter [email protected]
Deborah Killion [email protected]
Sarah Wohldmann [email protected]
Dana Boyer [email protected]
Lauren Nicholls [email protected]
HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
- Tuesday, Jan 11 -- If you entered the Science Fair, your projects are due today!
- Friday, Jan 14 -- End of the second quarter
Where's the Bus? from WCPSS
This is a message for parents of school bus riders.
Due to driver shortages, we encourage families to check the status of your child’s bus daily starting Monday morning at www.wcpss.net/busupdate.
***Direct link to Swift Creek route is www.wcpss.net/Page/1899***
In addition to checking the bus update page, you can also track your child’s bus using the Here Comes the Bus app.
As many of you know, significant bus driver absences, caused primarily by the impacts of COVID-19, have affected transportation services since the return from Winter Break.
There were more than 150 bus driver absences yesterday and today. Even before these absences, our transportation department was operating with more than 100 driver vacancies.
The combination of these factors has forced the cancellation of some bus routes in the past week. More than 100 routes had to be canceled this morning.
We deeply regret the disruption this has caused to families. Our transportation staff will continue to do their very best to serve as many routes as possible even as they face this challenge.
Due to the unpredictable nature of pandemics, and the increased infections caused by the Omicron variant, we do not know how much longer service will be disrupted.
You will receive updates about any important developments related to the status of our driver workforce as they become available.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.
-- Wake County Public Schools
THE POSITIVITY PROJECT: Prudence
WHAT IT MEANS
You plan for the future and achieve your goals by making careful everyday choices.
WHY IT MATTERS
Prudence supports effective individual self-management. Whether aspiring for an athletic record, academic grade, or purchasing a car, foresight and planning are necessary. However, long-term goals – even with a plan – can only be obtained by overcoming those impulses and desires that steer you away from your goals. Prudence provides the wisdom to know which character strength to leverage, at which time, to achieve your desired end state.
On a group level, prudence is crucial – especially today, as shortsightedness has crept into many parts of life. Prudent individuals will produce a prudent society. And, as always, we need leaders who can think long-term and create the world we want our descendants to inherit.
Check out the new Family Resources section. The password is P2.
CLEAN OUT YOUR BOOK SHELVES AND HELP US COLLECT 2022 BOOKS FOR WAKE UP AND READ: Deadline is Wednesday, Jan 19
If you haven’t brought books in yet, it’s not too late! We are still collecting books until January 19th. Our school goal is 2022 books for children in need!
Here is how you can help!
- Please clear your cluttered shelves of gently read books your kids have outgrown, or purchase new books that you love.
- Put these books in your child’s bag or a separate bag or box and have your child bring them to their classroom to be counted toward their grade level total. If you have a lot of books, you can bring them to the school and drop them off with someone at the front door.
- Swift Creek Service Club members will collect donated books from each classroom on a weekly basis and will count how many books each grade level has collected.
To learn more about WAKE Up and Read, please visit www.wakeupandread.org.
If you have questions about this project, contact Mrs. Chadwick at [email protected].
DONATE ITEMS TO THE ART AND MUSIC ROOMS
Mrs. McIntyre is looking for LOTS of different items for the art room. Check out the pictures below. Send these items to school with your child. Be sure to label them "Mrs. McIntyre: Art Room".
Donations to Macedonia United Methodist Church's Food Pantry
Donations can be dropped off at the church on Saturdays 8-10am. Or you can contact Marie Dexter to pick up your donations or to donate through Venmo @Marie-Dexter-1.
Sign up to help at www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4badaa23abf58-swift15
An Exciting New Resource for Teachers: Tools4Schools
You can learn more about it at https://www.wakeed.org/tools4schools/.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
- Monday, Jan 17: Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday. No school for staff or students.
- Tuesday, Jan 18: Teacher Work Day
- Tuesday, Feb 8: February PTA meeting
- Friday, Feb 18: Teacher Work Day
- Monday, Feb 21: President's Day. No school for staff or students
- Friday, March 18: Teacher Work Day.
- Monday, March 28: Teacher Work Day.
- Monday, April 11 - Friday, April 15: Spring Break
- Monday, May 2: Teacher Work Day
- Monday, May 30: Memorial Day. No school for staff or students.
- Friday, June 10: Last day of school for students!