OLDHAM OBSERVATIONS
SEPTEMBER 2021 NEWSLETTER
Message from the Principal
Our work now is to continue this momentum and ensure the safety of all members of the school community (Please review the information regarding COVID and social distancing below). An important aspect of feeling safe falls in the realm of emotions. Students (and adults) learn best when they are in "emotional neutral". This is the state of mind that allows students to retain, retrieve and synthesize information. The good news is that Oldham is already a community school with a culture based on collaboration and caring. However, we know there is more we can do. So, a group of Oldham educators came together this summer and looked at our Social Emotional Learning curriculum and our TROT expectations (see below) to develop a plan. For example, these first few weeks, we are focusing on building routines and getting to know each other while also teaching school wide language. For an example, ask your child to show you our volume levels. The goal is to all use the same positive language/signals to convey expectations. Soon we will begin to focus on each of the school wide expectations by teaching students what they mean and what they look like in various locations around the school. Simultaneously, the classroom meetings will include lessons that support our goals as they build relationships and skills around problem solving.
We would love your support in this work. So, I will be periodically sending families an outline of our plans and providing you with some ideas on how to support that work at home. For now, it would be helpful to have general conversations with your child around the TROT expectations in preparation for our upcoming plans.
Again, thank you to everyone for making this school so amazing. It takes a community to lift a school and we appreciate your strength and support in that effort.
With appreciation,
Steven Olsen, Principal
MVP Award Mr. Carlos and Mr. Jose
Mr. Carlos and Mr. Jose taking a rare break this summer
The floors are amazing
The classrooms were ready
Reminder: Anyone who enters the school building MUST wear a mask. A mask is required even if you are entering to sign in your child or drop something quickly.
Arrival Procedure Review
- There is no supervision before 8:25. Please do not leave children unsupervised before 8:25
- Arrival is between 8:25 and 8:40
- At 8:25 students are supervised in the playground area until the 8:40 bell
- If the weather is bad, students will be instructed to directly enter their classrooms through the outside classroom door (there will be adults there to help)
- If you are in the car line adults should not exit the vehicle. If you need to help your child you are welcome to find a spot in the parking lot and walk your child to the arrival area
- If you are in the car line, please be patient and wait in line. I will keep it moving but it is unsafe to try and cut the line
- After 8:40 children are dropped off at door #1- the main door
- After 8:50 an adult must enter door #1 with the student to sign the late arrival log
- Students may ride bikes to school if they wear a helmet and utilize the crossing guards to cross the street. The school can not ensure the safety of bikes on the rack, so a lock is suggested.
Dismissal Procedure Review
- Dismissal is on the Pine St side of the building
- Parents must park their vehicle and come to the pick up area to get their child
- Watch for the bus stop sign and follow all traffic laws
SAVE THE DATE: Oldham VIRTUAL Open House October 7TH 6:00PM TO 8:00PM
PTO Update
We will be holding our meetings on the first Tuesday of each month. We will let you know if they are virtual or in person meetings once the final decision has been made.
Starting in October we will have Takeout Tuesdays on the third Tuesday of each month...keep an eye on your inbox for flyers with details!
The PTO will also be sending out flyers with Ways to Help, and an upcoming events calendar!
We are looking forward to another great year and hope to see you at meetings!