Viking News
October 2021
Principal's Greeting
Greetings Viking Family,
As the saying goes, "Happy Fall Y'All!" Fall has started to arrive here in Omaha, with crisper weather and changing leaves becoming more prevalent. Much of the beginning months of school are spent reviewing school wide procedures and routines, and assessing students performance levels. We are happy to report that we are celebrating the growth our Vikings have made during the first two months of school both socially and academically.
Throughout the school day, you can see students demonstrating CREW expectations. That means our Vikings are showing they are
- Caring and Kind
- Respectful and Responsible
- Everyone is Safe
- and We do our best
During a recent district visit, it was noted that Crestridge students did an outstanding job with their face coverings and our students were happy and making safe choices across all school environments. We are so proud of our students and we want you to share in our celebration too. Be sure to log on to your Dojo account each week to see what your student is earning Viking Bucks for!
As the seasons change, so do our instructional goals with students. With the instructional data that has been collected through classwork, online instructional resources, and assessments teachers have done, staff have begun to support, remediate, or extend student learning based on your child's individual level and needs. Your child may begin to discuss working in small groups. Small group instructional allows our skilled teachers and staff to provide support at the level that your child needs to make progress.
Lastly, I'd like to highlight our acknowledgement of the importance of the home and school relationship. This month, we look forward to the opportunity to connect with each family during virtual parent teacher conferences. Parents play a vital role in their child’s education. When parents engage with schools as a supportive partner, student’s educational outcomes are impacted in a positive way. As always, we are here to serve our students and families. We look forward to sharing your students progress and our continued plan for supporting growth and achievement for all our learners. Thank you for all that you do to be partners in your child's educational journey.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or me directly. Email me at valerie.varas@ops.org and I'll make sure to get back to you as quickly as possible. At the bottom of this e-newsletter is a form titled Family Voice Survey that seeks to learn about parent's questions and concerns and to listen to parent's opinions. Families are welcome to share their ideas and feedback through the form at any time throughout the school year.
#Growinggreatness
Go Vikings!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Valerie Varas
Principal
Crestridge Magnet
Omaha Public Schools
(531) 299-1280
Check Out What We've Been Up To:
College Color Day
Crestridge Job Fair
CREW Expectations in Action
OPS Proud
Brain Breaks
5th Grade Artists
Mark Your Calendar
No School Reminder
Viking Dash
Is it Halloween already?! This year, we will be conducting a “Parade of Pumpkins”. This is an exciting event that your family can spend some quality time together sharing creative ideas with each other. Begin by getting a pumpkin, make a plan, and show off your imagination! Make sure to bring your pumpkin to Crestridge between October 11-15 to be entered in the event. The Viking family will be judging the creations from October 18-20th based on:
1. Being the scariest (without weapons)
2. Funniest
3. Most creative
4. Best of All, and more
All pumpkins will be auctioned off online as a fundraiser to support the students and staff at Crestridge the week of October 18-22.
Winners for each category will be announced on October 25 and winner's will be notified to pick up your pumpkins. We are looking forward to seeing all of the artistic pumpkin creations!
Crestridge PTO Meeting
Click below to join the PTO meeting:
Make-up Photos
Questions?
Call J. Johnson Photography- 402-292-8438
Virtual Nature Night
Click the link below to join
Report Cards Sent Home
Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be on held primarily on Wednesday, October 20th from 4:15 to 7:15 pm and Thursday, October 21st 4:15 to 8:15 pm. We look forward to this opportunity to promote strong engagement and to keep families informed on their student's academic progress. All virtual conferences will be held via Teams.
Conference sign ups will be coming out next week. If you have not yet scheduled your child's conference, please contact your child's teacher or the office at (531)299-1280 and we can assist you in signing up for a conference time.
Virtual Scholastic Book Fair
Parent Coffee and Conversations
This parent coffee and conversations will help parents learn to interpret MAP (K-5) and NSCAS (4th-5th) standardized test scores that are coming home with report cards. Additionally, we will focus on answering any questions parents have during this time.
Please note for parents unable to join the session, the session will be recorded.
Click below to join the live parent coffee and conversation:
Harvest Parties
Below is the plan for our school wide Harvest party it will require the cooperation of the entire Crestridge family. In order for the celebration to be a positive and safe experience for our students directed health measures will be enforced.
Celebration Details:
On Friday, October 29th, Crestridge will continue with its tradition of Harvest Parties and a school wide parade. For families who choose not to partake in the festivities, please be assured that we will provide an alternate location and activity in order to allow you student to remain at school.
At Crestridge we work hard to ensure that students’ minds and bodies are ready for learning each day. For our school-wide celebration, individual apple slices and caramel prepared by the district will be provided courtesy of the Crestridge PTO. The provided apple slices are consistent with the intent of the district’s Local School Wellness Policy and will promote healthful eating among our students. We are committed to making our school the healthiest it can be so our students can do their best work. Families may contribute items to their child's classroom parties this year, however, all items must be:
- Store bought
- Individually packaged
- Follow our school wellness policy, please see below for a list of treats that would be allowable.
**Costumes: Students are welcome to wear their costumes to school all day or to bring their costumes in their backpack to change into later in the day. Costumes must be school appropriate (no weapons or scary items). Students should be able to independently wear the costume over their clothes with minimal teacher assistance. Costumes may include makeup if applied before school.
Parade Details
• All parents are encouraged and welcomed for the parade! We ask that all parents remain at a safe distance and do not pull students from the parade line.
• Please arrive at school as close to 2:00 as possible to get situated for the parade. We are asking that all parents spread out around the outside of our track and that everyone adheres to physical distancing.
• Weather-permitting our parade will head outside around the Crestridge campus and around the track promptly at 2:10 PM
• If the weather is poor, the parade will be in the hallways and gymnasium for students only. We would move to streaming on our facebook live page to allow families to also see and partake in the parade virtually.
• The parade will be held first with a school-wide movie and classroom party to immediately follow.
Special Notes
• To keep this event safe for our students and teachers, we invite families to join us on the grass around the track. Our parade route will be out through the front door, traveling southeast on the sidewalk, over to the track, around the track and back through the front entrance of the building.
• A reminder that Crestridge Road is a two way street until 3:30. We ask your assistance in allowing traffic to flow in both directions. Additionally, we ask Crestridge families to be courteous of neighbors by refraining from parking in or blocking driveways
• Due to local health conditions, we are unable to have volunteers to serve as a room parents.
Healthy Treat Options
Applesauce Mummies
Jack-o-lantern Orange Cups
Fall themed pretzels
Nonfood Treat Ideas
Other Noteworthy Dates:
o Monday, November 1st - Teacher Planning Day– No School
o Monday, November 22- 26th- Thanksgiving Break- No School
Omaha Public Schools Cycle Day Calendar
Become a Volunteer
Steps to Become a Volunteer in Omaha Public Schools
- Contact the school to discuss a volunteer opportunity.
- Complete volunteer application online.
- Building principal will either approve or deny the volunteer activity request.
- Human Resources will communicate via email to the principal and volunteer applicant of approval or denial of request.
- Volunteer activity can begin AFTER approval email is received from Human Resources. This email is sent to both the volunteer and the principal.
- All volunteers must follow Omaha Public Schools guidelines regarding safe and responsible return to school. (Board resolution 21-015)
We look forward to welcoming parent volunteers into the building as health conditions in the community allow.
Health Information
Daily Health Screener
Health and safety remain our priority. To assist us with our effort in keeping students, staff and families safe, we are asking you to conduct a daily health screening on your child(ren) every day prior to sending them to school.
Please assess and/or ask your child(ren) the following screening questions before sending them to school.
Does your child have one of the following?
- New cough
- New onset of shortness of breath
- New loss of taste or smell
Does your child have two or more of the following?
- Fever of 100.4 or greater
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
If you answer yes to the above questions, please do not send your child to school. Instead:
- Notify the school of your child's absence
- Contact your child's health care provider
- Get your child tested for COVID-19
- Do not send your child to school until they have a negative test result or have been cleared by their health care provider
For information on COVID-19 vaccine sites please contact the Douglas County Health Department at 402-444-3400 or https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/109-covid-19/812- where-to-get-a-covid-19-vaccine
Anyone 12 years of age are older is eligible to be vaccinated. Minors, 12 thru 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult/guardian to be vaccinated.
Safety Information
As has been communicated by the Omaha Public Schools, there is currently a district shortage of bus drivers therefore our drivers are scheduled extra routes to assist with. When we block traffic we impact not only Crestridge students ability to leave on time, but also the schools who have routes following yours. Additionally, tight spaces for the bus to navigate make it dangerous for both the driver and the students on the bus.
Our pick up goes smoothest when parents remain in their vehicles to allow all students to be picked up through our line.This minimizes parking concerns around the neighborhood and allows our staff to keep a watchful eye focused solely on loading our students.
Counseling Connections!
What a BOO-tiful beginning to October! Our counseling classes are well underway with the new version of our Second Step Social/Emotional curriculum. The lessons in our first Second Step unit all revolve around the theme of having Growth Mindset and Goal-Setting. Please be on the lookout for more grade level specifics about this unit on your child(ren)’s class Dojo story.
Towards the end of October, we will begin our drug and alcohol unit in Counseling classes which will coincide with the celebration of Red Ribbon Week. This is a week that is set aside to learn and review the dangers of using drugs, skills to help us stay away from drugs and unhealthy behaviors, as well as healthy ways of coping with life situations. We will be celebrating Red Ribbon week Oct. 25th-29th. More info will be shared as we get a bit closer. Below are some questions you might use to facilitate a conversation with you students.
Some questions to ask your children:
1. Are all drugs hurtful? (No, because medicines are drugs but are helpful when taken correctly)
2. How does the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs interfere with success and achievement?
3. What are some healthy coping strategies to help deal with the feelings and thoughts that come with stressful life events? (exercise, rest, talking, doing something you like)
4. What are some positive ways peer pressure might be used? (encourage friends to stay away from drugs, study for tests, do their best, and to use their words rather than physical aggressions when they are upset with someone)
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me via phone (531-299-1286), email (heather.rowland@ops.org, or Dojo if I can be of help to your student or family.
Fondly,
Miss Rowland
Confidentiality is of the utmost importance. Please see the Counselor Confidentiality Statement below.
Counselor Confidentiality Statement
Information students share with the Counselor is confidential. The student's right to privacy is guarded as much as permitted by law, ethics, and school rules. All meetings held with the Counselor will remain confidential unless the student or parent gives permission to share information with related parties. As Professional School Counselors, we respect the rights of confidentiality of personal information disclosed during the course of a conversation between ourselves and students, except in the following cases:
· If the student presents a danger to themselves.
· If the student presents a danger to others.
· If the student has been neglected or abused by others
· If required to do so by court order.
· If the parent or adult student gives permission for the information to be shared.
As mandated reporters, we are bound by Federal and State law to break confidentiality in the situations mentioned above and will do so to protect our students and to remain legally and ethically true to our profession. The Professional School Counselor may consult with other school professionals but will only share information necessary for achieving the goals of the consultation.
Parent Corner with Sra. Jácome
MAP Tests
Students will soon begin taking the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment. The purpose of the fall assessment is to gather a baseline of each student's knowledge and skills. As students take the MAP assessment they will receive a RIT score, the RIT score assists teachers in identify where students are ready for instruction today. As your child progresses, the MAP assessment allows us to identify areas of strength, areas of need, and to ensure your student continues to meet or exceed their personalized growth goals.
The MAP Assessment is an adaptive test. This means it is not simply a measure of students' mastery on grade level standards, instead this assessment finds a range of student performance by presenting leveled questions based on student's answers. MAP growth data to pinpoints the instructional areas your students are ready to tackle—whether they’re on, above, or below grade level.
The MAP assessment window is September 7-24. Kindergarten through fifth grade students will take the Reading and Math MAP Growth Assessment, and grades 3-5 will also take the Science MAP Growth Assessment.
To ensure an accurate assessment of your child's present level of performance, parents can:
* Commit to regular bedtimes and wake up times to allow children to receive enough rest
* Talk to their child about trying their best
* Prepare students to not know all the answers
Over the course of this year, we look forward to supporting your student's individual growth and to celebrating their achievements together.
Positive Descriptive Feedback
At Crestridge, positive specific performance feedback is provided to students using a variety of strategies and at a ratio of 4:1. One way that positive specific performance feedback is provided is through the use of contingent attention. Contingent attention means that teacher attention is provided right after the desired behavior takes place and it is used to increase academic performance and on-task behavior. We know, when we focus our praise on positive actions, we support a sense of competence and autonomy that helps students develop real self-esteem.
Along with the positive descriptive feedback, students receive a tangible reinforcer or what we refer to as Viking Bucks. When students receive a Viking Buck, they will specifically receive it for being Caring and Kind, Respectful and Responsible, Everyone Safe, and We Do Our Best. The staff member will give positive descriptive feedback and explain why the students received the Viking Buck. For example, a child may receive a Viking Buck for coming prepared to class and the teacher may say, “I’m giving you a Viking Buck for being Respectful and Responsible, when you come prepared to class, we can get started right away with our learning together.” In doing this the student knows exactly why they are receiving the tangible reward to increase the likelihood that they will perform the behavior in the future, but also students grow to understand how their actions do not only benefit themselves but the classroom community.
PTO News
PTO Board Members
Co-presidents: Cecilia Tocaimaza Hatch and Deryl Hatch-Tocaimaza
1st Vice-president: Mandy Godwin
2nd Vice-president: Kathleen Vacek
Treasurer: Stacey Coury
Secretary: Kelly Houfek
Principal: Valerie Varas
Want to Support the PTO?
The below are opportunities for you to give through your purchasing:
TAGG
Direct Donation
Amazon Smile
Free School Meals for the 21-22 School Year!
Omaha Public Schools Meals
Our school breakfast and lunch program is an integral part of the school day. Proper nutrition plays an important role in the success of your student.
For the 2021-2022 school year, a complimentary school breakfast and lunch will be available for all students choosing to participate.
We encourage families who have not completed a meal application for their child to contact their school or the Nutrition Services Office, 531-299-0230. Although the meals are at no cost, the information on the application determines additional benefits for students and families, such as discounted internet service, scholarships, fee waivers, etc. Additionally, the information is used in district funding, qualifies schools to provide no-cost food to youth 18 and under during after school programs and in the summer months.
Complete the district's online application (see link below) or for a paper application you may call Nutrition Services at 531-299-9437. The district cannot approve an incomplete application, so be sure to fill out all required information.
Social Resources
211
People across our area face challenges every day and may not know how to find or access local programs that address them. That’s what 211 is all about: connecting our neighbors with nearby services that can help. If you are looking for assistance in finding a food pantry, paying for a utility bill, accessing safe housing or shelter, receiving counseling services and more, speak with one of our helpline specialists today. 211 is available 24/7 by phone or text. Your call is free and confidential.
Call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211 to get in touch with a helpline specialist today.
Please see the link below for more information or to visit their website.
Cox Connect2Compete Internet Access for Families
If you find yourself in need of assistance in attaining a home WiFi connection, Cox Cable offers their Cox Connect2Compete program for families in need. The program offers WiFi for $9.95 per month. Cox is offering special discounts for families due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Please see the link below:
Latino Center of the Midlands
The mission of the Latino Center of the Midlands is to enhance the lives of the Heartland Latino Community by supporting the education and development of our youth and adults; promoting comprehensive engagement of our families in all facets of their lives; and by fostering leadership through a variety of services and activities.
Ready to apply?
Please visit the below website or call them at 402-733-2720 to make an appointment.
Food Distribution Sites
Omaha Public Schools Locations
The Omaha Public Schools is happy to support student success through our Meals2Go program.
Omaha Public Schools is offering Meals2Go at no cost to any child ages 1 - 18 including remote learners. Each bag contains school favorites, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Milk is available as an option.
- During the school year, Meals2Go will be distributed on Mondays with five days of meals provided in the drive-through format. Pickup times are 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. for elementary schools and 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. for secondary school.
- Parents/guardians who pick up the meals, without children in the car, will need to provide identification (report card, schedule, birth certificate, etc.) that the meals are for a child at home.
- Program schools, Early Childhood Locations, TAC programs will not distribute the Meals2Go bags. Families may pick up meals at any of the other sites currently open.
- If the pick-up time does not work for your schedule, please contact the Nutrition Services Office, 531-299-0230.
Food Bank of the Heartland
A Map of Food Distribution by Address
District Resources for Families
If you have additional questions, please consider which of the following department below may best meet your needs.
Contact Student Information Services at SIS@ops.org for:
- Current or past student proof of education
- Pre-K and K registration or physicals
- Questions about summer school
Contact the Student Placement Office at StudentPlacement@ops.org for:
- Transfer requests
- Questions regarding home attendance areas