In "Otter" News - Week #2 (B Week)
For the Week of 9/6 - 9/10
Message from the Principal
Our otters had a fantastic first week of school! So many of them were showing P.A.W.S expectations and earning tickets! You may have seen the tickets come home with your children. While our P.A.W.S. expectations have not changed, we have changed how we are celebrating our otters. When a student receives a P.A.W.S. ticket, it comes from an adult with specific feedback about how they demonstrated expected behaviors. Be sure to ask your child if they received a ticket. If they received a ticket, engage in a conversation with them about how they earned it.
We are working very hard as a staff to recognize the positive in all of our otters as we come together in person again as a community. We are also working hard to increase our positive daily communication home to our school families. Our goal is to be a giant yellow highlighter and highlight the behavior we want to see in others by using the P.A.W.S. tickets.
As a refresher for the start of the school year and as an introduction to families new to the Oakville ES school community, please see directly below for some information about our P.A.W.S. Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
I am looking forward to another fantastic week in Otterville! Enjoy the three-day weekend!
Otterly Yours,
Ms. Dietz
P.A.W.S.
P.A.W.S. is an implementation framework for maximizing the selection and use of evidence-based prevention and intervention practices along a multi-tiered continuum that supports the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral competence of all students. Our P.A.W.S. framework is based on a problem-solving model and aims to prevent inappropriate behavior through teaching and reinforcing appropriate behaviors across school settings.
P.A.W.S. seeks to create a learning environment that empowers our students to show their Personal best, Act responsibly, Work hard, and show Safety first. We are committed to creating a safe and caring environment in which students will show respect to themselves, others and property, be responsible for their actions, and lead by example.
We encourage you to speak with your children about P.A.W.S. at home. We have provided the school-wide expectations of P.A.W.S. above for you so you can use a common language when discussing school expectations at home.
Oakville Otter Pledge
We recite the Oakville Otter Pledge daily as a school after saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
Today I P.A.W.S. for success
I will do my
Personal Best
Act Responsibly
Work Hard
and remember
Safety First.
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Office hours during the regular school year will be Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Top Level Info - Need-To-See for the Week Ahead
Masks at School
SMCPS protocols for masking are linked below. We are currently in HIGH transmission and masks are REQUIRED of all students and adults who enter an SMCPS building.
Students who are riding a bus will already be wearing a mask as they enter the building. Students who will be dropped off at school by a parent/guardian should put their masks on as they exit the car in preparation for entry into the building.
Student Schedule for the Week Ahead
B Week
Monday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
- HOLIDAY - Labor Day - ALL SCHOOLS AND OFFICES CLOSED
Tuesday : 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
End of Day Dismissal Process
Getting students home safely and through the correct mode of transportation is one of our main priorities every day at dismissal. Thank you for your support this week in making this process run smoothly.
It is EXTREMELY important that you communicate with the school's FRONT OFFICE regarding how your child will be getting home if they are dropped off in the morning. There are two ways to do this.
- Register for a student to be an Everyday Car Rider with our KISS N RIDE program. Families who register for this program are communicating with the school that their child will be picked up from school every day. See below for more detailed information about the program and how to sign up. If you are interested in this program and did not get the chance to sign up during the Open House event, please reach out to our school counselor, Kristan Curtis (kvcurtis@smcps.org).
- Contact the school prior to 3:00 pm to place your child on the pickup list. You will need to park your car and come into the building to sign them out if you choose this option every time you will pick them up from school and not have them ride the bus home.
It is also EXTREMELY important that if your child's normal mode of transportation is changing you contact the school's FRONT OFFICE as soon as possible to communicate the change. Again, notification by 3:00 pm is expected. We understand that things come up at the last minute and will be flexible and work with you if you have to contact us after 3:00 pm.
The dismissal process will begin at 3:45 pm daily.
Lunch Menu September 2021
Music Department News
Please click the buttons below for information about our band, chorus, and strings programs. If you have any questions, you can reach out directly to our music teachers, Ms. Drake and Mrs. Jones.
Students in grades 3 can participate in the strings program and students in grades 4 and 5 can participate in band, chorus, and/or strings.
Band and Chorus: Ms. Drake, jldrake@smcps.org
Strings: Mrs. Jones, adjones@smcps.org
First Night for Strings and Band
This year, Leonardtown High School will be hosting two special events for elementary students to hear music played by high school students and learn more about the instrumental programs. Learn more by clicking the buttons below.
First Night for Strings: 9/8/2021 @ 6:00 pm
First Night for Band: 9/9/2021 @ 6:00 pm
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Next Level Info - Upcoming Events
Save the Dates!
Ledo Pizza Spirit Night (Leonardtown Location ONLY)
September 15th
Grandparent's Day Luncheon
September 17th
We will have options for outdoor seating if needed to maximize a safe environment for this event based on the number of grandparents who choose to attend. This event will be dependent on the weather and our ability to use outdoor seating options.
Meet the Principal and New PTA Board Spirit Event at Bruster's
September 27th
Fall School Yearbook Pictures
October 5th
Retakes will be scheduled for November 19th
More information will be provided as the dates draw closer.
Click below for the SMCPS Calendar for the 2021-2022 school year.
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Update from the Front Office
Important! - Information about School Meals
Please find below information regarding student meals for the 2021-2022 school year. While meals are free for all students, many programs use your students' free or reduced status, so please fill out your applications! See below for necessary information. A hard copy of the application and instructions will also be sent home with all students during the first week of school.
A link to the Food and Nutrition Services website is below. It has information regarding school meals, including a link to school meal menus.
New Opportunity - Student Accident Insurance
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School Photos
The OES Otter Staff is so excited to be back in the building! Here is to an "OTTERLY" amazing 2021-2022 school year!
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Update from the PTA
Small Actions Add Up to Big Benefits for Our School Community
Please consider using the following methods to help the PTA support our school community. These little actions could add up to big benefits!
Link Your Harris Teeter VIP Card to the OES PTA
Use the OES PTA AmazonSmile Account When Shopping on Amazon
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Turn in Your Coca-Cola Product Bottle Caps
Check Out the New Way to Redeem Your Boxtops for OES
Update from the Nurse
Nurse Frangenberg
FAQ for the start of the year:
When should I keep my child home from school?
- Fever >100.0, vomiting, diarrhea, or pink and crusty eyes
- Symptoms of COVID-19 like illness OR symptoms or an illness that do not resolve after home interventions
- Your child has been directed to quarantine by the local health department
What are COVID-19 like illness symptoms?
- New-onset of cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
- New loss of taste or smell,
- Fever of 100.4 or higher
- Chills or shaking chills
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Congestion or runny nose
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Employment Opportunities with SMCPS - Apply Today - www.smcps.org
About Us
Email: lpdietz@smcps.org
Website: https://schools.smcps.org/oes/
Location: 26410 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 373-4365
Facebook: facebook.com/smcps.org
Twitter: @OES_smcps