The Oxford Update
Oxford Elementary School
Welcome Back!
When we left school in June we were hopeful that we would be returning to the new school year without the need for any extra safety measures due to COVID-19. Unfortunately, that is not where we find ourselves today. As you may have heard already, masks will be required for all students and staff in the building. Please be sure to send your child to school with a clean mask each day. Students will also be required to wear a mask on district transportation. The district's COVID-19 Response Team will be meeting weekly to review current data related to COVID which will help to guide decision making.
I want to ensure you that we take the safety of students and staff very seriously and will do whatever is necessary to create a welcoming, healthy, and safe environment. We want our students to be in school every day and will work hard to make sure we can remain in the building.
As always, we thank you all for your support as we begin our new school year. If we can help you in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
For more information regarding the MSAD17 District Reopening Plan, please click the link below.
Student Drop Off and Pick Up at OES 2021-2022
- Everyone will have the same pick-up window this year, 3:00 PM to 3:15 PM. If you arrive after 3:15 you will need to park and wait for the end of bus dismissal.
- Parents MUST remain inside their vehicles at all times. Your child MUST be able to buckle themselves in so that the line is not held up. If your child needs help buckling, please pull all the way up to the end of the building, out of the pick-up line area, place your blinker on and assist your child with their buckle. Practicing with your child so that they can buckle themselves will be helpful before school starts.
- Pre-K students will be picked up in a different loop and your pre-k teachers will explain that process to you before your child starts school.
- Please contact the school to get your car tag or visit the Transportation Table at our Meet Your Teacher Popsicle Party to get your tag at that time. If you have your tag from last year, your number will remain the same. Please make sure we can read the number on the tag. If you need a new one, please contact the school.
Drop off reminders:
- Drop off is from 8:30 AM to 8:45 AM. Students who arrive after 8:45 will be marked tardy.
- Please pull as far forward as possible, following school staff directions, before having your student exit your vehicle.
- Adults should remain in vehicles at all times. Please make sure anyone dropping your child off is aware of this expectation.
Pick up reminders:
- Student pick-up begins at 3:00 PM and ends at 3:15 PM. Due to the short window, please do not get out of your vehicle, and please make sure your child can buckle themselves into their car seat. It is important that we keep the line moving so that buses can arrive.
- Car tags must be displayed in your car window while in the pick-up line. If you do not display your tag you will need to park so we can check your ID before we release your child.
- Those picking students up are asked to arrive at school no earlier than 2:50 PM. It is important that we keep our driveway open until it is time for afternoon pick up.
- Adults should remain in vehicles at all times. Please make sure anyone picking your child up is aware of this expectation.
IMPORTANT BUS INFORMATION!!!
Supply Lists
Visitors to the Building
Due to the current COVID-19 guidelines, we will not be able to allow visitors into the building this year. This includes the parents and guardians of our students. Only staff and students will be allowed to enter the school building in an effort to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for all. The exception to this rule will be for those who have scheduled ahead with the office to be in the building.
If you need to drop your child off late or pick your child up early, we ask that you ring the buzzer at our front entrance and a staff member will assist you.
Please know that this is a safety precaution and we will miss seeing our parents, volunteers, and guests inside the building. We hope that we can invite you back into the building soon!
Outdoor Learning
While there have been many changes and adjustments we’ve all had to make to open our school the last couple of years, we have also been afforded a wonderful opportunity to take more and MORE of the learning into the outdoors. For all grade levels research shows that time outside benefits learning and, just as importantly, helps with motor skills, problem-solving, resilience building, and social-emotional regulation. Again this year, we are moving instruction outside as much as possible.
What does this mean for you and your child? Your child will be outside on a regular basis, reaping all the benefits a natural environment has to offer. Included with time to explore and “be”, will be integrated academic lessons, appropriate to grade-level standards. **Appropriate clothing for each season will be needed; this is extremely important!
Autumn & Spring- rain boots, jacket, and pants (even hats can be helpful!)
Winter- warm snow gear: pants, coat, boots, mittens
All seasons- closed-toed shoes (sneakers) and footwear for wet weather
Engaged and joyful learning can only happen when students are warm, dry, and comfortable. It will also be a good idea to apply sunscreen to your child daily before they leave home while the weather is nice as we will be outside as much as possible.
Early Release Wednesdays
This year we will be continuing with our Early Release Wednesdays. They will begin on Wednesday, September 8th, and continue throughout the school year. Please remember that our dismissal time will be ONE HOUR EARLIER on Wednesdays.
The first day of school is NOT an early release day. School will be dismissed at the regular time on Wednesday, September 1st.
Oxford Elementary School
Denise Bourgoine, Assistant Principal
Arica Monahan, School Nurse
Jill Knight, Secretary
Christine Merrill, Secretary
Email: principal.oxford@msad17.org
Website: www.msad17.org
Location: 79 Pleasant Street, Oxford, ME, USA
Phone: (207) 539-4456
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Oxford-Elementary-School-Maine-1556253884658478