Oster Newsletter
October 4, 2023
This year Oster School launched PBIS. You might have heard your student talk about the Oster way which is:
Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful
So, what is PBIS?
PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports) is used to improve school safety and promote positive behavior at Oster. It also helps teachers and staff decide how to respond to a child who misbehaves.
At its heart, PBIS calls on teachers to teach kids about behavior, just as they would teach about any other subject—like reading or math. PBIS recognizes that kids can only meet behavior expectations if they know what the expectations are. An indicator of a school using PBIS is that everyone knows what’s appropriate behavior. Throughout the school day—in class, at lunch, and on the playground—kids understand what’s expected of them.
PBIS has a few important guiding principles:
Every child can learn proper behavior.
Stepping in early can prevent more serious behavior problems.
Each child is different and schools need to provide many kinds of behavior support.
How schools teach behavior should be based on research and science.
Oster's Behavior Expectations
Why PBIS?
PBIS creates a common dialogue, common vocabulary, and common goals for Oster and allows us all to be on the same page.
Not only does PBIS help with behavior issues, it helps build a deeper sense of community among our students and staff. And, as the name suggests, PBIS works by recognizing the positive aspects of what we are looking for, which has been highly motivating for our students.
HOW does it work?
Classroom teachers taught lessons comprised of our Oster Matrix (see picture above).
We had our kick-off assembly which described how kids could earn Cougar Cash and what happens to the Cougar Cash once they earn it. Basically, when a student demonstrates how to be SAFE, RESPECTFUL, or RESPONSIBLE, they can earn a buck.
Students write their name on the Cougar Cash and then place in to a box in their classroom. Every other Friday, five cougar Cash tickets are chosen at random and those students get a chance to win a prize.
How can Parents Support PBIS?
PBIS schools focus on teaching the behaviors they desire while at school through explicit instruction, practice, and positive reinforcement. A strong partnership between the home and the school can provide families with ideas on addressing behavior in a similar way at home too.
To learn more about PBIS we encourage parents to check out the resources available at:https://www.pbis.org/topics/family
Enrichment Fund Update
Thank you Oster families for your generous support! We have raised a little beyond our $100,00 goal (direct donations and company matching) with about 50% of families participating. We know there are families who want to participate but haven’t been able to yet. Your donations are always welcome anytime through the year and, don’t forget to see if your employer matches (Click here to learn more about employer matching)! If you were not able to donate earlier and would still like to contribute, you can donate at any time by clicking here. Let’s get participation, at whatever dollar amount is comfortable for each family, closer to 100%!
Enrichment Fund: The Top 3 Classrooms will win a Pizza Party!
Be on the lookout in early November when we announce the winners! The 3 classes who raise the most donations and will celebrate with pizza parties. Totals will include donations received through 9/30 and parent donations received through company matching programs in the subsequent weeks. Thank you again, we are so proud of our Oster Community!
School Site Council
School Site Council (SSC) is a group of staff members and community members who provide consultation during the review and development of the Comprehensive School Safety Plan and Single Plan for Student Achievement. We have two opening on this year's School Site Council and invite you to be a part of this committee. SSC members serve a two-year term and attend three meetings per year. If you are interested in participating in Oster's School Site Council, please email Mrs. Taormina (taorminal@unionsd.org) or notify the office by the end of the week if you are interested in joining us. Thank you.
Math Olympiad at Oster (4th & 5th Grades)
Are you fascinated by numbers? Want to sharpen your problem-solving skills? The Math Olympiad Club is perfect for you. This in-person club is open to 4th-5th graders and funded by Oster's HSC.
Weekly practices will be held at Oster Library every Friday from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm October 13th - March 29th.
The five monthly contests will be held in person at Oster from November to March.
Up to 35 students can participate. Assessment may be needed if more than 35 students register.
Register your interest before October 6th: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Parent Education: Intentional Parenting Class At Oster
Please join our parent community for an interactive workshop on how to parent with intention. The workshops will take place on October 12th at 8:45 am at Union Middle School for parents with middle school children, on October 13th at 8:30 am at Oster Elementary School for parents with elementary children, and on October 17th at 6:00 pm at Dartmouth Middle School for parents with either elementary or middle school children. If you would like to attend, please complete this form to help us prepare for these special events.
Join us for Art Vista’s Fall Fundraiser at Yogurtland!
Are you ready for a sweet and satisfying way to support Art Vistas? Yogurtland will be giving back 20% of all sales on October 10th to Art Vistas! Bring your friends and family, satisfy your sweet cravings, and give back to Art Vistas!
Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Time: 12pm - 9pm
Location: Yogurtland Camden. 2031 Camden Ave. San Jose, CA 95124
Visit Yogurtland Camden
Enjoy Delicious Yogurt
Mention Art Vistas: Make sure to share the flier or mention Art Vistas to ensure your purchase goes toward our organization.
Thank you for your support!
Oster Yearbook Flash Sale, Ends 10/20
For just a few weeks the Oster 2023-2024 Yearbooks will be available to order for the early-bird price of $25.
After October 20, the price will increase to $30.
Order yours today and save: http://bit.ly/OsterYB
We are excited to be able to include professional school portraits, as well as on-campus photos for spirit days and other school activities in this year’s yearbook. If you found yourself scrambling to get a copy of the yearbook during the last week of school, or worse, couldn’t buy one because we ran out, this is your friendly reminder to order now.
Oster is again using Balfour to produce our yearbooks. All orders need to be placed directly through Balfour: http://bit.ly/OsterYB
Stay tuned for information about our Cover Art Contest!
Mileage Club at Oster
Mileage Club is off to a great running/walking start! This program is available during the lunch hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 6 weeks this fall and again in the spring. Students complete laps around the grass field and receive a foot charm for each week they participate.
Volunteers are always needed to help kiddos count laps and keep the program running smoothly. Click here to sign up to volunteer today!
Come to HSC’s October meeting TONIGHT (10/4)!
Join us for the Home & School Club Board Meeting Wednesday, October 4th at 6:30 in the staff room. Childcare is available, we look forward to seeing you all!
Frozen Fridays
A favorite Oster Tradition, Frozen Friday, happens each week! Stop by after school on Fridays outside the cafeteria to purchase a frozen treat and hang with friends! All treats are $1 or $2. Small bills are appreciated or we can take ApplePay! OR, purchase a Frozen Friday Card here!
Sign up to Volunteer! This is a great opportunity to get involved with HSC & Oster’s connected community and only takes an hour or so on Friday afternoon!
Stay up to date on all the latest Home & School Club News!
Register your Membership Toolkit by visiting www.osterhsc.org!
Get Involved! Check out the variety of volunteering options at: www.osterhsc.org/sign_ups.
Like & Follow:
Facebook @OSTERHSC
Instagram @OSTERHSC1855
Wednesday, October 4th HSC Board Meeting 6:30 pm
Monday, October 9th USD Board Meeting (6pm)
October 19-20 Fall Break (No School)
Tuesday, October 31 Halloween Parade at 1:00 pm
Join the Union School District Team!
Become a Substitute (Teaching, Instructional Assistant, Office, and Food Service positions available). Apply today: Teaching Positions | Other Positions
Get a full or part time position (Teaching, Instructional Assistant, Office, Food Service, and Extended Care positions). Apply today on EdJoin.
Become a noon duty aide. Contact the front office for more information.
Oster Elementary School
Principal: Lisa Taormina
Email: taorminal@unionsd.org
Website: https://oster.unionsd.org
Location: 1855 Lencar Way, San Jose, CA, USA
Phone: 408-266-8121