Oak Creek Elementary
Coyote News - October 28, 2022
Principal's Message
Oak Creek Families,
Thank you to all of our families who were able to conference with classroom teachers this week! I know that lives are busy and it can be challenging to find time to fit everything in, so we appreciate you making this chance to connect a priority.
I also want to thank the LOHS Asian American Student Union, for sending high school students volunteers to our school to provide an art activity in our 3rd-5th grade classes to teach about Diwali. Check out the photos below!
Please make sure to read below for important information, including a note from our school nurses, information about an upcoming music program and more! If you have any questions, please see the FAQ section below, or feel free to reach out to myself or Tess Kristoffersson at kristoft@loswego.k12.or.us.
Thank you,
Barb Keeton
In This Message:
Updated in Every Edition:
- Principal's Message
- Dates to Remember
- PTO Corner
NEW In This Edition:
- MTSS Parent Guide
- 3rd Grade Music Performance
- Nurses' Note
Repeated Information:
- i-Ready Reports in ParentVue
- Holiday Outreach
- SMART Reading
- Purposeful People
- Black Student Mentorship Program
- New Application for School Volunteers
- Recognitions and Observations in October
LOSD District News:
- "I Love Lake Oswego" Clothing Closet
- SafeOregon
- Subscribe to Lake Oswego Schools App
- Lakeridge High School - Music Man
3rd, 4th, 5th Grade Diwali Celebration
MTSS Parent Guide
i-Ready Reports in Synergy
If you have forgotten your ParentVUE password, go to the login page, click "I am a Parent," then click "Forgot Password." If you are unsure whether you have a ParentVUE account or need assistance, please contact Tanya Goodwin, goodwint@loswego.k12.or.us.
"Autumn Beauty: A Program of Music and Poetry"
The Third Grade classes will present “Autumn Beauty: A Program of Music and Poetry” on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 6:30 pm in the Oak Creek gym.
Students are asked to arrive at 6:15 and report to their classrooms. We hope to see you there!
Nurses' Note
Oregon Battle Of The Books
OBOB at OCE is back! And here is What to know now! Get to know the Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) Statewide program at their website. Linked here.
Beginning next week, OCE OBOB volunteers will be coming into the 3-5 grade classrooms over the next two weeks. They will be…
describing OBOB at OCE for the 22-23 season
introducing the books
reading a chapter of one of the OBOB books
sending a flyer home with your readers!
OBOB Competition
Students in 3-5 grades read books, form teams, prepare for & compete in a trivia style competition.
Registration Deadline November 4th
QR Code to register for the competition side of OBOB.
OR use this link
OBOB Book Club
Is for anyone in grades 3-5. Students come to the library during their lunch recess on specific days to talk about OBOB books, read new and old OBOB books, and practice for the competition (if they choose).
No sign up necessary. Simply show up during your lunch recess
3rd Grade - Mondays lunch recess beginning October 31st
4th Grade - Wednesdays lunch recess beginning November 2nd
5th Grade - Wednesdays lunch recess beginning November 2nd
We will share more soon! If you have questions for...
the PTO & their involvement with OBOB, email:
Kirstin Martin at oakcreekelementarypto@gmail.com
The OCE School Librarian & OBOB Book Club Coordinator email:
Darcy Benson at bensond@loswego.k12.or.us
The OCE OBOB teacher coordinator email:
Megan Lovelace at lovelacm@loswego.k12.or.us
Warmly,
The OCE OBOB TEAM
Lost and Found
We will donate anything that is left behind after next week!
We kindly ask you to label your child's clothes from now on.
Dyslexia Awareness Month
What is Oregon’s State of Mind on Dyslexia?
Oregon developed its first legislative guidelines for dyslexia in 2015 with the passing of Senate Bill 612 followed by 1003 in 2017. By law each school is required to complete a universal screening on all kindergarten and first grade students to identify those who are at risk for dyslexia. This law also mandates that each K-5 school have an extensively-trained educator who is able to recognize the warning signs of dyslexia and support students, teachers, parents, and the community. LOSD currently uses Dibels as our dyslexia screening tool. If you have more questions please reach out to your school’s literacy specialist.
There also are three major federal laws that directly affect children with dyslexia. They are the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Oregon Department of Education Dyslexia Resources: Oregon Department of Education : Dyslexia : Regional Programs and Best Practices : State of Oregon
Gifted and Dyslexic?
Some kids with learning and attention difficulties have exceptional skills in certain areas. These kids are often called “twice-exceptional” (2E) learners.
LOSD Student Services and TAG (Talented & Gifted) Services are both responsible and should work in cooperation to meet the needs of twice-exceptional students. The student’s abilities will determine appropriate instruction.
To read about twice exceptional students, visit UNDERSTOOD.ORG:
Twice-Exceptional Students | 2E Learners | Gifted and Learning Disabilities
Each week this month, we featured a message about dyslexia in this newsletter. If you have questions or concerns regarding our child’s learning, please call the school principal, TAG coordinator, and/or literacy specialist. You can also contact your school’s representatives for TAG-AC (TAG Advisory Committee) or Special Education Advisory Committee. Please see here to learn how to contact your school representative.
We are here to help you and your child succeed.
OAK CREEK ELEMENTARY: HOLIDAY OUTREACH
Oak Creek Elementary is able to offer resources to households that may need a helping hand over the holidays. Below is a brief description of holiday resources that are being offered. Please complete the form if you would like to be contacted to receive any of these services.
Use this link to complete the form:
https://forms.gle/Uk7iQzotLHrh84QT8
If you have questions please feel free to contact us. Your privacy will be respected.
Roxanne Davidson, School Counselor
davidsor@loswego.k12.or.us 503.534.2323
Kristin Guelsdorf, District Social Worker
guelsdok@loswego.k12.or.us. 971.204.9555
SMART Reading
We are looking forward to welcoming SMART reading back to Oak Creek. SMART volunteers will be reading 1:1 with our Oak Creek kindergarteners.
SMART is a statewide children's literacy non-profit that brings volunteers into the schools to help kids have fun while developing a love of reading. SMART students choose two new books monthly to keep and build their personal library.
We are looking for volunteers (parents, grandparents, neighbors) who can make an academic year commitment reading once a week for an hour with their assigned student.
To learn more about SMART and sign up to volunteer, go to smartreading.org
PTO CORNER
Message from PTO!
Hello Oak Creek!
Square1 Art booklets were sent home with students. Purchases are due by November 10th. Order your art keepsakes!
You have received a green form from the PTO. This form includes a direct monetary ask for your student. The suggested amount of $175 per student covers all of the PTO expenses. You are not required to give this amount, any little bit helps, even $1. You can also use this form to apply for a confidential scholarship. Use the QR code, this link, or text “Coyotes” to 366283 to make a donation to the OCE PTO.
We are passing out pies on November 1st and we need your help! If you are available, please sign up on this link. We have a few extras. Get them before they are gone! Order Pies
Thank you for joining us at the fall carnival! The event raised $5,065 and the Kona Ice truck raised $166. We are still awaiting auction totals. We would like to thank our auction sponsors:
Adorn
Killer burger
Lake Grove Barber Shop
Lake Oswego Fire Department
Larlee family
The Kitchen Academy
The Olive Garden
Trader Joe’s
There are still two party boards open for bidding!
Ninja Warrior Experience
November 5th @ 9am-10:30am, 11am-12:30pm, or 1pm-2:30pm
Train with 3x American Ninja Warrior competitor, 2x City Finalist, and Oak Creek parent, Michael Larlee, at his ninja garage! You’ll have a chance to play on the customized ninja course obstacles and learn some tips to improve your ninja skills. A final competition will allow you to test your skills while having fun.
Cost per participant is $25. All ability levels are welcome, ages 5 and up. Buy your spot on this link.
Fire Station Tour (Main Lake Oswego Fire Station, 300 B Avenue, Lake Oswego)
November 13th @ 2pm
A personal tour of the downtown Lake Oswego Fire Station. Meet the firefighters, see where they live, and check out the fire engine! Stickers and kids fireman helmets included. Cost per child is $20, parents/guardians are free. Buy your spot on this link.
Thank you for visiting the Book Fair!
Thank you to all of our volunteers at the carnival and book fair! We literally could not host these fun events without your support. We are thankful for the wonderful Oak Creek community.
Questions? OakCreekElementaryPTO@gmail.com
Oak Creek Elementary PTO Executive Committee
Kirstin Martin / President
Amanda Schade / Treasurer VP
Samantha McCaskey / Assistant Treasurer VP
Page Donnelly/ Membership VP
Brooke Mattern / Communications VP
Holli Hansford / Co-Events and Enrichment VP
Barry Hansford / Co-Events and Enrichment VP
Steve Farnham / Co-Fundraising VP
Heather Shoyer / Co-Fundraising VP
Lauren Terpstra / Parental Involvement VP
Rachel Wilde / Secretary VP
Teressa Raine / Sustainability VP
New Application for School Volunteers
For the safety of children, volunteers are required to have an approved background check when volunteering in schools.
To help streamline compliance with state and school board policies, which require that all volunteers have background checks and knowledge of other board policies -- as well as state-mandated proof of vaccination (or a qualified exemption) -- we are introducing a new all-in-one volunteer application and approval process through ou Raptor Visitor Management System.
Submitting an online application initiates the background check process. Once submitted, applicants will receive an email upon approval of your background check and you will be given access through the onsite Raptor System at all schools. Please allow up to three weeks to process your approval.
Volunteers need to submit only one application for volunteering in all LOSD schools. Applications need to be submitted annually to capture changes in background checks, policies, and/or vaccination requirements.
Volunteer Application for LOSD
Thank you for applying promptly, and for your service to our students and schools. We are grateful for our volunteers.
Recognitions, Observations in October
We have a lot to celebrate and acknowledge this month. All teachers and staff are encouraged to find ways to recognize these and other awareness opportunities to help create a culture of belonging in our schools.
Dyslexia Awareness Month is always a good opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of dyslexia and help to bring about positive change.
LGBTIA+ History Month is a month-long, annual, celebration and remembrance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history.
National Bullying Prevention Month includes activities, education, and awareness building for the entire month.
National Principals Month recognizes the essential role that principals play in making a school great. Principals are among the hardest working, yet often least recognized individuals in education.
School Custodian & Grounds Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on October 2 by different businesses and organizations across the United States.
Mental Health Awareness Week educates and increases awareness about mental illness. It takes place every year during the first full week of October. World Mental Health Day, October 10, is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma.
World Teachers' Day, October 5, created in 1994 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is an annual and internationally recognized day devoted to the assessment, improvement, and appreciation of teachers worldwide.
World Cerebral Palsy Day, which occurs annually on October 6, reminds us that there are over 17 million people impacted by this disorder. CP is one of the most common physical disabilities affecting the most vulnerable among us — children.
National Coaches Day, October 6, honors the men and women who inspire us to work harder and do our best.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, October 9, is a federal holiday in the United States that celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures.
National Coming Out Day is an annual LGBT awareness day observed on October 11, to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in "coming out of the closet."
Safe Schools Week, October 16-22 is observed and actively supported by local, state and national public officials and professional organizations.
Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually in October in the United States. It began as a tribute to fallen DEA special agent Enrique Camerena in 1985.
Mix It Up at Lunch Day
Mix It Up at Lunch Day is an international campaign that encourages students to identify, question and cross social boundaries.
National Organization for Women (NOW) Founded
The National Organization for Women is an American feminist organization founded in 1966. The organization consists of 550 chapters in all 50 U.S. states and in Washington, D.C.
Halloween, October 31, Also known as All Hallows’ Eve—the evening before All Saints Day or All Hallows Day—this event has roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (SOW-an). In Gaelic culture, it is a celebration of the end of the harvest season and a time to remember loved ones who have died. Today, in the United States and some Western countries, it is customary to wear costumes and take part in revelry.
Yom Kippur, October 4-5, is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Recommended accommodation: Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines, events, or activities after a day of fasting.
Shemini Atzeret, October 6-8, is a Jewish holiday celebrated on the 22nd day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei in the Land of Israel, and on the 22nd and 23rd outside the Land, usually coinciding with late September or early October. Recommended accommodation: Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines, events, or activities. If planning an event, provide food accommodations (Kosher restrictions apply)
Sukkot, October 9 - 16, is a Torah-commanded holiday celebrated for seven days from the 15th day of the month of Tishrei. It is one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals on which those Israelites who could were commanded to make a pilgrimage to the Temple at Jerusalem. Recommended accommodation: Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines, events, or activities on the first 2 days. If planning an event, provide food accommodations (Kosher restrictions apply)
Birth of Bahá´u’ llah, October 17, is one of nine holy days in the Baháʼí calendar that is celebrated by adherents of the Baháʼí Faith and during which work is suspended.
Recommended accommodation: Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines, events, or activities. Baha’i employees will likely request the day off.
Diwali, October 24, known as the "Indian Festival of Lights”, is a major Hindu holiday signifying the renewal of life, and the victory of good over evil. To celebrate, people light lamps and candles, set off fireworks, and wear new clothes.
If we've missed a recognition opportunity, please email kristoft@loswego.k12.or.us.
LOSD District News
Lakeridge Halloween Fair
Lakeridge HIgh School - The Music Man
Tickets can be purchased in advance at http://www.pacer-drama.org/.
"I Love Lake Oswego" Clothing Closet Open to Entire Community!
I Love Lake Oswego Clothing Closet has received an overwhelming amount of support and donation during the pandemic. We want to give back to our community and encourage our community to lean on us not for just hard times, but for up cycling, sustainability, and for our environment. In the past the closet was just for students, and since the pandemic we have opened our doors to anyone within our community.
Visit https://www.ilovelakeoswego.com for more information.
SafeOregon
Parents-guardians who have concerns about a student’s well-being are encouraged to reach out to their principal, and to maintain strong lines of communication and partnership between students, families, staff, and other resources.
SafeOregon is also an effective way to report a tip regarding safety threats or potential acts of violence to our students or schools.
(Students should also be aware that intentionally providing a false report is a serious offense.)
Subscribe to Lake Oswego Schools App
Stay connected to the district and your school(s) and receive urgent notifications by subscribing to the Lake Oswego Schools App.
About Oak Creek
Reach out to us if you have any questions or need anything!
- Principal; Barb Keeton: keetonb@loswego.k12.or.us
- Administrative Assistant; Terese Kristoffersson: kristoft@loswego.k12.or.us
- Administrative Assistant; Tanya Goodwin: goodwint@loswego.k12.or.us
Address: 55 Kingsgate Rd., Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakCreekPTA/
Interested in OCE Spirit Wear? Check out this website sponsored by our PTO! OCE Spirit Wear