North Salem News: Panther Family Update 8.26.26

Posted Date: 08/26/26 (02:36 PM)

North Salem News

Weekly Updates for Panther Families

A welcome for students from Dr. B!

8.26.26 Updates

Dear Panther Families,

It is almost here! We are so excited to welcome students back next week! I hope you are able to join us for the Welcome Back BBQ on Monday at 4:30p. Please stop by, say hello, and introduce yourself. I’m looking forward to a great year together! I’ve included in this message several important updates and reminders. I know it is long and thanks in advance for your patience reviewing!

First Day of School

The first day of school is Wednesday, September 2. Our school day runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students who are not taking the bus may be dropped off between 8:30 and 8:45 a.m.

If you are driving your child to school on Wednesday, please remember that drop-off begins at 8:30 AM, with school beginning at 9:00 a.m. Our staff will be ready to greet your child in the morning at drop off. On the first two days of school, all students will come right into the building.

Remember: If you are a car rider, please join the line on the school side of the road, typically close to Briarwood. Please DO NOT cut into the lot by taking a left across Zion Hill Road.

This traffic pattern has been suggested by SPD as the safest and most efficient process.
Please be patient during our opening days' drop off and pick-up times, as these days are a bit more congested than normal. Once our routines are established for everyone these two processes are both safe and efficient.
Plan extra time.

Communication

We believe strong communication is key to a successful school year. Here are a few important updates as we prepare to reopen:

Primary Contact: Your child’s classroom teacher is your main point person. Teachers return to the building on August 27th for training and preparation. You will be able to meet your child's teacher on August 31st.
Stay Informed: We will share regular updates regarding activities, policies, and student progress.
ParentSquare: This is our primary platform for all school-to-home communication. Please ensure your account is set up so you don't miss key announcements. You can read about ParentSquare and learn how to download the app if you visit https://sau57.org/parentsquare. ParentSquare can also be accessed via a web portal https://parentsquare.com.

Once the school year starts, I usually send out a weekly update with important dates and highlights! Please feel free to reach out to the school with any questions or to update any contact information. The main office number is 603-893-7062, or I can be reached at bethany.bernasconi@sau57.org

Parents sometimes have questions about school supplies that might be needed. You do not need to purchase any school supplies, as our classrooms are equipped with all the supplies your child needs. Parents only need to provide a backpack, a water bottle, and a snack.

Transportation Updates

Bus Information

Information about Bus Routes can be found here: https://sau57.org/transportation. Be sure to check back as we get closer to the first school day for more finalized routes. If you have questions, please contact the SAU office.

Pick-up Patrol

All of the elementary schools in Salem use Pickup Patrol for parents to communicate daily default dismissal plans, dismissal changes, absences, early dismissals, and tardiness to the school. Changes can be entered from a smartphone or computer well in advance of an event, and at any time up until 2:25 PM on the day of the change (after 2:30 call the school office).

ACTION NEEDED: Default Dismissal Plans
In order to ensure all of our students get to where they need to be end of the day, it is essential that we know your child’s regular end-of-day dismissal plan - this is your Default Plan.
Please enter your child’s Default Plans in PickUp Patrol at https://app.pickuppatrol.net/parents BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. In fact, do it now while you are thinking about it, please.
New Families: If you are new to us, first welcome! You should be receiving an invitation for PickUp Patrol Friday afternoon (8/28).

Family Handbook

Please click the following for our Family Handbook.

Save the Date!

Upcoming Dates

Linked here is the district year-long calendar. It’s helpful to add these dates onto your family calendar to keep track of important days … school vacation days, early release days, etc. Below are a few important dates for you to start adding to your busy calendars:

Class Lists Posted- Friday, August 28th at 2:30pm Class lists with teacher names will be posted on our front doors around 2:30pm. You will also be able to access this on ParentSquare after 3:00pm. FYI- until class lists are posted, there will still be adjustments made to class lists, as students move in and out of the district. They are not finalized yet.

Welcome Back BBQ- Monday, August 31st (4:30-6:30p) The evening will begin with classroom visits from 4:30 to 5:00p. Then, thank you to our amazing PTA for their support in kicking off the school year with a Welcome Back Cookout from 5:00 to 6:30p on the playground. FULL EVENT DETAILS HERE!!

First Day of School- Wednesday, September 2nd for all students.

Labor Day Holiday / No School- Monday, September 7th

School Picture Day- Tuesday, September 8th (more information will come once school starts.)

North Salem Open House- Thursday, September 17th for parents and guardians only. This night provides the opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and learn about curriculum, procedures, and activities for the upcoming school year. This is an evening for caregivers only and children do not attend. We stagger the evening so families with multiple students can meet each teacher and to help alleviate congestion in the parking lot.

Kindergarten: 5:30-6:00

Grade 1: 5:45-6:15

Grade 2: 6:00-6:30

Grade 3: 6:15-6:45

Grade 4: 6:30-7:00

Grade 5: 6:45-7:15

Early Release- Wednesday, September 23rd- 1:30 Dismissal

Salem Scramble- Saturday, September 26th