Howdy Trailblazers
January 17 - 31, 2022
Greetings from Principal Bueno
Greetings! I hope everyone is doing well, staying healthy and enjoyed having Monday off in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We saw many dips in student and staff attendance last week due to the rapid spread of this particular variant of COVID. By Friday our campus wide attendance percentage was at 84% AND we had 145 students absent on that day as well. We experienced low numbers of attendance in many of our classes however, we will still continue to celebrate weekly attendance as we have done in the last couple of months. It's important for us to celebrate all positive opportunities that occur on campus with our students. Please continue to follow campus protocols if your child is sick and experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, details can be found below. We are looking forward to returning to normal attendance rates soon, but for now we want everyone to be healthy while on campus and patient as we go through this process.
Please see below for the latest NISD updates regarding COVID-19 safety protocols and the implementation of mandatory face coverings. This mandate will take effect when students return to the building on Jan. 21.
Online 2022-2023 new student registration begins this week for grades K-5 and please don't forget Jan. 26 is an Early Dismissal Day. Details including a link to the Ott Early Dismissal Form can be found below.
Please welcome our new BMC Teacher Mrs. Haston and our new Special Ed. Collab. Instructional Assistant Mrs. Sweet to Ott. We are very excited they have joined our Trailblazer family.
Thank you families for joining us for this week's PTA meeting and tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our 2nd grade teachers put a lot of thought into designing an engaging event for our families. It was a very sweet and memorable evening. Thank you again to all who attended.
Lastly, thank you students and families for joining us in celebrating Our Words Matter Week in honor of national No Name Calling Week. Thank you to our Ott counseling department for hosting this week's event.
Make it a great week Trailblazers!
Principal Bueno
Congratulations Mrs. Haston - New BMC Teacher
Please Welcome Mrs. Sweet - Sp. Ed. Collab. Instructional Assistant
COVID-19 - Updated Information
Important New Guideline for Masks in NISD
NISD COVID-19 Information for Parents/Guardians
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Fever or chills
Diarrhea
Cough
Headache
Shortness of breath/difficulty
New loss of taste or smell breathing
Sore throat
Fatigue
Congestion or runny nose
Muscle or body aches
Nausea or vomiting
Additional COVID-19 Information:
- The use of facemasks is still strongly encouraged for all students, staff, and visitors while indoors at all District facilities.
- If you or your child is symptomatic or ill, stay home and/or consult with your medical provider. Individuals who have confirmed cases of COVID-19 will be asked to isolate for a minimum of 5 days or until symptom-free. We will continue to ask that individuals living in the same home as a COVID-positive individual also remain isolated for 5 days depending on vaccination status. Review the Cityof San Antonio Metro Health District’s Health Advisory issued Dec. 28 for more information.
- As a reminder, free COVID-19 testing is available from Metro Health at Farris Stadium (8400 North Loop 1604 W, San Antonio, TX 78249) and Inselmann Field (kiosk near ticket booth) at the Hardin Athletic Complex (7001 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238). Appointments must be scheduled.
- Strongly consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine for you and all eligible individuals in your home. Everyone ages 5 and up are now eligible for a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. You may also call 311 for vaccine information and resources related to COVID-19.
In addition, District staff will continue to follow our cleaning and sanitizing protocols at all facilities and on all school buses.
Please contact Nurse Irma Rosas-Tijerina at (210) 397-5550 or irma.rosas-tijerina@nisd.net for additional questions or concerns.
Student Devices to be Sent Home Daily
Free COVID-19 Testing
Sleeves up! NISD hosts COVID vaccine clinics
Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022
5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Jefferson MS Cafeteria (H-E-B)
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Ross MS Cafeteria (UIW)
Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022
5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Rudder MS Cafeteria (H-E-B)
5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Rayburn MS Library (H-E-B)
Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022
5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Connally MS Cafeteria (H-E-B)
Friday, Jan. 21, 2022
5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Pease MS Cafeteria (H-E-B)
Request for Student COVID -19 Vaccination Documentation
Thank you in advance for your support. Please contact Nurse Irma Rosas-Tijerina at (210) 397-5550 or irma.rosas-tijerina@nisd.net for additional questions or concerns.
Free COVID Testing Sites Available
Curative testing sites: Free COVID-19 testing is available at Farris Stadium (east side ticket booth) and Inselmann Field (kiosk near ticket booth) at the Hardin Athletic Complex, Monday through Friday. Appointments must be scheduled.
Test results are available within 24 to 48 hours. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Farris Stadium; and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Inselmann. Both sites will be open on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, this Monday, Jan 17.
Drive-through testing: Free drive-through COVID-19 testing is available at the Hardin complex at 7001 Culebra, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The site will also be open this weekend Jan. 15 and 16 but will be closed on MLK Day. Enter off of Culebra Road nearest the stoplight at the Transportation Station. No registration is required.
Attendance Matters
Northside continues to ask you to make your child's attendance a priority. Research shows that school attendance leads to future success and brings numerous benefits to students, including higher academic achievements.
Texas Education Code states that the students must be present in class 90% of the time in order to earn course credit or be promoted to the next grade level.
When students are tardy to school, they are missing valuable morning time with their class. Morning meetings begin promptly at 7:45 and this time allows for students to get ready for a successful day. We will begin recording tardies to school (arriving after 7:45 am).
As a reminder, not only do absences lead to learning loss, they can also lead to social-emotional deficiencies. We encourage all parents and students to make school attendance a top priority except for time when the student is sill. Be sure to send a note upon your student's return to school.
From the Superintendent Dr. Woods
First Early Dismissal Day Scheduled for Jan. 26
Elementary schools will dismiss at 11:45 a.m., middle schools at 12:40 p.m., and high schools at 1:00 p.m. For families who need it, adult supervision will be available at all elementary schools, so students can remain on campus until the end of the normal school day. Learning Tree will also be available at traditional times.
For staffing and planning purposes we are requesting for parents to complete the Ott Student Early Dismissal Form. Students who remain at school will attend Ott Student Study Time until 3:10 p.m. The form must be completed by Jan. 25.
Your Input Matters
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plans (ARP) Act was signed into law. In it, the U.S. Department of Education provided an additional $121.9 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III Fund).
Through this legislation, NISD received a final ESSER III allocation of $173,011,162 for the three-year period through September 2024 to address issues caused by COVID-19. At least 20% of these funds must be used to address learning loss. ESSER III can fund academic supports, social-emotional supports, health/safety, and continuity of services. NISD’s ARP ESSER III Grant: Program Plan and Narrative (Use of Funds Plan) can be reviewed here.
In July 2021, NISD developed a Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services (RIPICS) Plan, linked here, for all schools in consultation with stakeholder groups. Districts are required to review their RIPICS Plan and Use of Funds Plan every six months to determine if changes are necessary and to seek community input.
We request that you complete a brief survey by clicking here. This survey will be open from Friday, Jan. 7 through Monday, Jan. 24.
New Student Registration for 2022-2023
All new student registrations for K-12 will begin on Tuesday, January 18. As in the past, registration will be done online.
Ott Kinder Round-Up is scheduled for Jan. 26 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Pre-K registration will run from April 4- April 29.
Federal Forms
Ott Attendance Touchdowns - Weekly Incentive
(COVID absences do not count against grade level percentage. Only unexcused absences count towards total grade level percentage).
#Ott100thDay2022 - Feb 3, 2022
Ott Hosting Future Lego Robotics NISD Qualifier, Volunteers Needed - March 26, 2022
Northside Threads Shelves Need Filling
The holidays are over but the giving spirit is still needed to stock the shelves and racks at the Northside Threads, our District clothes closet.
Many thanks to everyone who donated over the holiday season or adopted a student off the clothesline. Due to the generosity of many, the needs of 50 students were met. Threads has served a record number of students this school year. “Anyone can be part of the solution to support students in need with clothing to ensure they can be present more days in school,” said Yolanda Chapman, Family Engagement Coordinator.
Ways to help:
- Donate: Clean out closets and bring any gently used items to Threads to benefit a NISD student. All clothing is free to NISD enrolled students.
- Donation Drives: Schedule a donation drive to help Threads get some of their most needed items like new underwear and jeans. For more information on organizing a drive call 210-397-8930.
- Volunteer: Feel free to call Threads and schedule some time to volunteer and assist in getting items sorted, washed, tagged, and ready so students can have fresh clean clothes to select. For more information, call 210-397-8930.
Ott Student Council Store Back in Business
Support the Spurs, Go Public, & NEF
The San Antonio Spurs are helping us shine a light on the great things happening in San Antonio-area Independent School Districts with Go Public Night with the Spurs on Friday, Feb 4 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket purchases made through the Go Public special link found here are eligible to receive exciting fan experiences and prizes. The night also serves as a fundraiser for Go Public, the campaign comprised of the 19 ISDs in the San Antonio area.
In addition, a portion of ticket sales will go to the Northside Education Foundation.
No to Pokemon Cards
Pokemon cards are not allowed on campus. Cards will be confiscated and sent to the front office for parents to pick up at their convenience if students bring them to campus. Thank you for your support with this matter.
Learning Tree is Hiring!
SeaWorld SA Free Preschool, Teacher Pass
Registration is now open for the SeaWorld San Antonio free preschool card (season pass).
Kids (five and under) can enjoy free admission to SeaWorld throughout 2022, including the Sesame Street Party Parade in May, Halloween Spooktacular, and SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration. Add Aquatica to the pass for $30.
Theme Park Tickets on Sale
The Northside Education Foundation sells Six Flags Fiesta Texas tickets ($34) and SeaWorld San Antonio tickets ($55). Details are at nisd.net/community/nef or call the Partnerships office at (210) 397-8599.
NISD School Health Advisory Council
The NISD School Health Advisory Council (SHAC), in partnership with the American Heart Association, has created a January Smore for families. This month's Smore highlights daily tips to keep families active!
Helpful Resources
Stay Connected with NISD
While one-on-one communication is the best, in a district as large as Northside ISD it is sometimes difficult. Because we want our parents to stay informed, NISD has several ways that parents and other interested citizens can stay informed about the successes and challenges of San Antonio’s premier school district of choice, as well as find out news about their children’s schools.
Follow Ott on Social Media
Please don’t forget to stay connected by following and "Liking” Ott Elementary and Ott PTA on:
- Facebook @ottelementary and @OttElemPTA
- Twitter @NISDott and @ott_pta
- Instagram @nisd_ott and @ottelementarypta
Thank you to those who have joined us this year, we appreciate your support. We encourage everyone to follow us on these social media arenas.#RootedAtOtt
Free Meals!
Ott Counselors Care
Library News
Ott OASIS Tutoring Program
Who: Caring adults over 50 years old who want to make a difference with our Ott students.
What : Oasis Tutors are active older adults who love reading and making a meaningful contribution to the Ott Community.
Why: NISD supports the Oasis national non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of mature adults and engaging them in community service. The Oasis Tutoring Program supports Reading Achievement, builds interest and motivation, models language and oral expression, and encourages response to text.
How: Just fill out the bottom of the form that was sent home with your child and return it to your child's teacher.
When: Oasis Training will take place soon for preparation and supplies. As soon as Volunteers have their training with the district, a student will be paired up with an Oasis Mentor. Weekly 1 hour tutoring sessions and the partnership will begin.
Important Dates
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Jan.26- Student Early Dismissal
- Ott College and Career Bound Day (OCCB Day) - wear your college shirt
- Kinder Round Up from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.