Week of 2/13/23
Each day, many students miss instructional time due to late arrivals or early dismissals. It is important for all families to understand the impact of those tardies/early dismissals. School attendance is monitored by state law, and there are consequences for parents of students with chronic attendance issues. To read the policy, please click here: https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=5290&ModuleInstanceID=13679&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=19707&PageID=11271
Pre-K Students:
- 7:50 AM - 8:00 AM: Pre-K Drop-Off (back door)
- After 8:00 AM: Pre-K Students are TARDY (go to main office)
- 1:50 PM - 2:10 PM: Pre-K Dismissal (back door)
Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade Students:
- 8:15 AM - 8:45 AM: K-2 Student Arrival
- After 8:45 AM: K-2 Students are TARDY (go to main office)
*NOTE: Depending on the time of arrival, students may be charged with a half-day absence.
- 3:15 PM - 3:45 PM: K-2 Student Dismissal
*NOTE: If students are signed-out prior to 3:15 PM, they will be charged with either an early out, or a half-day absence (depending on the time).
For K-2 students: any late arrivals or early dismissals between 10:30 AM - 1:40 PM are considered a half-day absence!
Dates to Remember:
- Smencils & Smickers for Sale: 8:15 AM - 8:45 AM
- Cupid Gram deliveries
Tuesday, February 14th:
- Classroom Valentine's Day Parties
- Cupid Gram deliveries
Wednesday, February 15th:
- Smencils & Smickers for Sale: 8:15 AM - 8:45 AM
- 9:00 AM: LSIC Meeting
Friday, February 17th:
- 2-Hour Early Release Day: noon for Pre-K and 1:15 for K-2
Monday, February 20th:
- NO SCHOOL for Students: PL Day for Staff
From time-to-time, it may be necessary to substitute a bus on a route or make route schedule adjustments. Click here to learn about the BCS Transportation Dashboard...
The Berkeley County Board of Education is pursuing a search to identify the next Superintendent of Schools for Berkeley County. Here's what you need to know: https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/Page/16781
We value your opinion! Add your voice to the community search process by completing this survey. Survey Open February 8-19, 2023: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X3666C3
BCS Network/Technology Update
Please read this important message from our Superintendent, Mr. Stephens, which was sent out on Tuesday, February 7th:
Today was a great day! Were some parts of the school day different from usual? Most likely, but our students and staff adjusted, and I want to say thank you for your efforts.
- Due to manual entry of information, attendance notifications may be delayed during this time.
- Alarms, doors, intercoms are functioning in all schools. These systems were not part of our current outage. School office telephones were restored yesterday. I want to assure our community that the safety of our students and staff remains our priority.
On behalf of the Board of Education, I express our sincere appreciation to our entire school community for the teamwork being demonstrated across the school district. We look forward to having our students back in our school and campuses tomorrow.
How will this impact Opequon Elementary?
Our students will not be using iPads for instruction, and our teachers will be providing instruction without the use of the internet. Mr. Price has been providing alternate activities for students during his technology class. Unfortunately, students will not be able to check-out new library books as that system is completely reliant on the network. Our teachers have adapted their instruction in order to continue to provide high-quality lessons to our students. Our students will continue with daily routines to the best extent possible as they use paper/pencil throughout the day anyway - even when technology is an option. 😊
It is important for families to understand that the majority of our teachers will not have access to Seesaw during the day. Therefore, it is important for ALL communication to run through the main office at this time. Please call (304) 267-3550 for the main office.
Your continued patience and cooperation is appreciated! 💙
School Store Fundraiser
Hello Parents,
I want to personally thank all the families who have already participated in our SchoolStore fundraiser! We are on our way to reaching our goal, but we need everyone's help to make sure our teachers get the essential tools they need to help our students succeed.
If your family has not participated, there's still time!
This safe and easy fundraiser is 100% online so there is no face-to-face selling, collecting money, or delivering products. Your child will receive a prize just for participating, and more prizes will be awarded when goals are reached.
Go to https://www.schoolstore.net/sid.t?0000010245 to show our valued teachers your support.
P.S. Family participation is the key to our success, and we are counting on you!
Valentine's Day Celebrations
Each classroom will host a Valentine's Day party on Tuesday, February 14th, and teachers will be reaching out to families with more information. Due to food allergies and other medical conditions, only store bought food items from our Smart Snack list (through BCS) will be allowed in the classroom. Please do not send in any items not requested by the classroom teacher.
Additionally, Valentine cards will be exchanged in each classroom, but they cannot contain candy. Valentine cards can be accompanied by small items such as pencils, stickers, bracelets, etc. Any food items sent in to school that do not meet these guidelines will be sent back home with the student.
These procedures are in place to ensure all students are kept safe as we have many students with various food allergies and other conditions that can be impacted by food/candy ingredients. Your cooperation and understanding is greatly appreciated!
Playground Update
Our playground will be OPEN on Monday, February 13th so that students can use our new playscape! In the last year, we have spent $41,000 on the installation of a new playscape, several balance beams, and two climbing structures for our students. Please be mindful of taking care of the equipment during non-school hours and remind older children to use our playground with care. 😊
Humane Society Update
Thank you to everyone who donated items for our 100th Day of School celebration. Our goal was to collect 100 items to donate to the Berkeley County Humane Society, and we surpassed that goal with 170 items! We are elated that the contributions from our Opequon community will be able to help support the animals in the shelter. We appreciate your generosity as Mrs. Bragg will coordinate to deliver all items soon. 💙
2022-2023 Opequon Yearbook: Ordering is LIVE
We are now taking orders for the 2022-2023 Opequon yearbook. Please read the information on the attachment.
Please visit:https://orders.picplus.com/ordering/with?key=EU9HJFTG
Key Code: Eu9HJFT6
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Bixler (abixler@k12.wv.us).
Thank you!
Student Behaviors and Consequences
Since we have returned from Christmas break, we have noticed that some of our students are struggling to get back into school routines. When students are absent frequently, arrive to school late, or leave early, it becomes increasingly more difficult to maintain those routines. As we know, good behavior and learning go hand in hand.
We are asking for help in reminding students of the following:
1. Using kind words at all times: Students should remember to follow "The Golden Rule" and to treat others the way that they wish to be treated. While we do not expect students to be friends with everyone, we do ask for them to respect one another. Our students also mimic what is modeled for them, so we ask that adults are using kind words when speaking to our staff members as well. We certainly understand there will be frustrating situations, but our goal is to work together to find solutions to problems as they arise.
2. Maintaining safe hands and feet: Many times, rough play leads to a serious reaction from peers. Students should not engage in activities that require them to put their hands on another student, especially if the game leads to high emotions.
3. Following directions: As we progress into the school year, the work is getting harder, and expectations higher. It is important for students to know that it is okay to not always have the right answer, but it is never okay to not try.
4. Bus safety: Our buses include students from Opequon and Eagle School. This past week, we have received an increase in bus referrals from the bus drivers for issues such as: not staying seated, eating on the bus, yelling, having toys, and other issues related to safety. It is important that our students remember to follow the rules on the bus as well in order to maintain safety.
5. Respecting personal and school property: We ask all students to take care of our school and to treat materials with respect. We provide daily reminders to put trash in the appropriate bins, to pick up items that they drop, and to keep food on their trays in the cafeteria. Food wrappers, discarded food, and utensils are often found on the cafeteria floor after each lunch shift (mostly from our older students). Each day, there are numerous items left on our school buses, on the playground, and in other areas of the school. Bus drivers have to return to school after drop-off for items such as backpacks, lunchboxes, and coats. Please label all of your child's items with their name and remind them to keep track of their personal items.
We also have 4 questions that we ask all of our students when they are exhibiting undesirable behaviors (see below). Our staff have been working with students to remove the option of saying, "I don't know" when asked any of these questions.
1. What are you doing?
2. What are you supposed to be doing?
3. Are you doing it?
4. What are you going to do about it?
We appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to maintain a safe and appropriate learning environment for all students. As we embark on the second half of the school year, our students have been well-informed of the expectations at school, and the majority of our students are making great choices each day.
Our teachers have been asked to make parent contact when minor issues occur in the classroom. However, when those behaviors continue, the student will eventually be referred to the principal or assistant principal. To maintain transparency, we felt as though it is important for our families to understand this process. Below you will find the matrix that our staff have been asked to follow for student behaviors.
It is important to recognize that there are exceptions to this list, and situations are handled based on various details. In the event of a situation involving your child, please understand that we also cannot discuss the discipline of any student other than your own.
We want you to be a partner in helping us make our school a positive place for our children to learn. To ensure that our families and students are aware of the school expectations, we ask that you review the matrix in its entirety with your child. Additional ways to be involved are: using the expectations in your home, reminding your child each day before they leave of the expectations, making sure that your child comes to school on time every day, as well as asking them if they followed the rules that day, and if they received any CARES bucks.
If you have any questions, please reach out to either Dr. Ematrudo or Dr. Jurkowski. Your continued partnership and support are greatly appreciated!
Minor vs. Major Behaviors (there are exceptions based on severity of incident):
Semcil and Smicker Sales: Mondays & Wednesdays
What's Happening in Our Specials Classes?
Art with Mr. Gibbs
Library with Mrs. Bixler
Music with Mrs. E. Freeman
P.E. with Mrs. Hudson
Technology with Mr. Price
Counselor Corner with Mrs. Patton & Ms. Williams
WV State Standards & BCS Curriculum Maps
We invite you to learn more about state standards and curriculum within Berkeley County Schools. This page is designed to share standards, curriculum plans and resources across a variety of programmatic areas.
Heavy Coats
Students are not permitted to wear heavy coats during the instructional day. When they arrive to school, coats should be hung up on their hook and kept there until recess time. After recess, students should hang their coats up until dismissal. This rule is in place for safety reasons. If your child gets chilly during the day, we highly encourage you to send them in with a sweater, or to have them dress in layers.
Additionally, our lost and found table is filled with items, as students are leaving their coats, hats, gloves, etc. around the building. Please visit the table during Parent/Teacher Conferences on January 17th to see if any items belong to your child.
Your cooperation and understanding is greatly appreciated!
Reminder: Toys and Personal Items
The only items a student should bring to school are those necessary for schoolwork. This means that ALL toys, stuffed animals, video games, cell phones, non-requested money, etc. should be kept at home. There are times when classroom teachers will announce a special event (show and tell, class reward, theme day, etc.) and information will be communicated if items are allowed on those days.
The school is not responsible for items that are lost and/or damaged during the school day or on the bus. If any toys or electronic devices are visible or make noise during class, the item will be sent to the office and will need to be picked up by a parent or guardian.
Safety Reminder
Please remember to use extreme caution when driving through our parking lot. As a community school with a lot of walkers, we have students and parents navigating the busy parking lot in the morning and afternoon. There is nothing more important than student safety, and slowing down is one of the best preventative measures. Children are quick, often unpredictable, tend to ignore hazards, and take risks. A student crossing the road unexpectedly or emerging suddenly between two parked cars could be tragic. Eliminating distractions such as talking on your cell phone, eating, etc. is also strongly encouraged.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in order to protect student safety.
Winter Weather Preparations
Download the BCS Mobile App!
Download the app and receive emergency, closings and delay updates delivered to your mobile device. Click the links below on your mobile phone to get the Berkeley County Schools, WV app!
Google Play:
http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.WV01000962.schoolwires.mobile&hl=en
iTunes:
https://itunes.com/apps/berkeleycountyschools
The BCS App Features:
- district announcements & news
- calendar information
- school & staff directories and contact information
- bus routes and boundary information
- lunch menus and more...
BCS Mobile App – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the App cost me anything? No – the App is free to all users. There is no fee to download or use it.
2. Why Should I get the App? The BCS Mobile App connects parents, students, staff and community to our most sought-after information in a convenient format – your mobile device. Great for on-thego!
3. How do I get the App? The App is available for immediate download in the Apple App store or the Google Play Store depending on which type of mobile device you have. You can find the App by searching “Berkeley County Schools, WV” or click these links from your mobile device:
Google Play:
http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.WV01000962.schoolwires.mobile&hl=en
iTunes:
https://itunes.com/apps/berkeleycountyschools
4. Can you access the App from a PC, laptop or desktop computer? No- the App can only be accessed from a mobile device (iPad, iPhone, Android devices)
5. Do I have to update the App? No- the App is automatically updated and will display the latest news, announcements and information in real time as they are added to the BCS website.
6. How do I receive Emergency, Closing and Delay Information? Emergencies, closings & delays will be automatically delivered to your mobile device if you have the app downloaded on that device. Important notices will be sent via a “push” notification and be delivered to all app users instantly. Users will need to allow push notifications by selecting the option in your device settings.
Recycling Program at Opequon
🧤 Cold Weather Reminder 🧣
As we enter colder weather, we wanted to send out a reminder about outdoor recess. Physical activity is an important part of our school day, so our students will go outside for recess as long as the "Real Feel" is 32 degrees or above. Please make sure your child has dressed appropriately for the weather when coming to school as we want our students to enjoy their outdoor time. Please contact us if you are in need of a winter coat, gloves, or hat for your child. Thank you!
Afternoon Dismissal REMINDERS
- Students will not be released to any adult who does not show proper identification and/or is not listed on the child's emergency card. Please have your ID ready during pickup.
- Any person checking out a child throughout the day must sign out his/her child by scanning the QR code located on the front doors.
- We encourage parents not to check their child out on a regular basis at the end of the day. We do understand that emergencies may arise, but we ask that changes to dismissal plans are made by calling the main office prior to 2:30 PM.
- Parents will not be permitted to sign their child out in the office from 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM. Anyone arriving to Opequon after 3:00 PM will be asked to get in the car rider line and wait in their vehicle. Many of our students are transitioning back to class from specials, and all staff members are working to get students packed up for the day during that time. It becomes disruptive to the environment, and also creates traffic issues in our parking lot, when we have to call students out a few minutes early. If you need to sign your child out prior to 3:00 PM, please send in a note so that the teacher is prepared for their early dismissal.
- Your help in honoring these requests is greatly appreciated.
Notes are required each time for the following:
- Students will be picked up from school early.
- Students will be riding a different bus than normal.
- Students will be picked up by a different adult than normal.
- A parent will be picking up his/her child on a particular day.
- When your child is going home on another bus to a friend’s house, both students must have a note indicating permission with the bus number and must be signed in the office and a copy made for the bus driver.
Any changes made to the child's bus stop, bus number, or other BCS transportation related issue, must be done through the Office of Transportation. They can be reached at (304) 267-3575.
School-Based Health Clinic for Opequon & North Middle School Families
MySchool Bucks
Create an account in MySchool Bucks to pay your PTO dues online!
https://www.myschoolbucks.com/
In order to use MySchoolBucks to pay for school related items, you will need to create an account.
*Please note: should you have problems signing into the website, do not call the school, please call Parent Assistance @ 855-832-5226.
Excused Absence Notes
Staff Contact Information
If you need to contact us, please call the office at 304.267.3550 or email the following personnel:
- Dr. Ematrudo, Principal: kematrudo@k12.wv.us
- Dr. Jurkowski, Assistant Principal: ljurkowski@k12.wv.us
- Mrs. Eyler, School Nurse: hannah.stauffer@k12.wv.us
- Mrs. Fontaine, Secretary/Registrar: lfontaine@k12.wv.us
- Ms. Foulk, Financial Secretary: lisa.foulk@k12.wv.us
- Mrs. Patton, School Counselor: kpatton@k12.wv.us
- Mrs. Williams, School Counselor: jgwilliams@k12.wv.us
A list of all staff members' email addresses can be found here: https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/domain/660
About Us
Email: kematrudo@k12.wv.us
Website: berkeleycountyschools.org/opequon
Location: 395 East Road, Martinsburg, WV, USA
Phone: (304) 267-3550