Ponca Publisher
September 2020
A Note From Mrs. Vlcek
Ponca family,
Ponca families, I and endlessly grateful for each and everyone of you. Your kind words, patience and flexibility have been so helpful and deeply appreciated. We know it certainly takes a village, and we are so grateful for all you have done to support your child and our teachers. It is true, we are certainly better together, even when we are apart.
Over the last two weeks, much of our instruction has been about helping children and families navigate the technology components and supporting families with connectivity. Although there is certain to be a few hiccups along the way, I am confident we will get through them. We really have showed everyone what Ponca is made of this year!!!
As we move into the next few weeks of learning, you will notice more and more content, small groups and instruction. A very important part of our instruction is assessment. Please help us to identify what your child(ren)'s needs are. Assessment is a very important part of the learning process. It allows us to gain information about your child and craft learning that is catered to their needs. It is always important, but even more so, as we did not have the opportunity to work directly with your children during fourth quarter. Please help us to get a an accurate baseline of your child(ren)'s knowledge, by allowing them to complete tests independently. I know it is difficult not to help, particularly if your child is struggling, however we can only truly know what your child(ren) understands independently if they complete the assessments independently. If you have further questions about this, please do not hesitate to reach out directly to me so that I can provide more assistance.
The Omaha Public Schools is resuming grading this quarter. Third-fifth grade students will be provided a progress report, in the coming weeks, to summarize student learning thus far. Kindergarten-second grade teachers will continue to gain information about children's progress and students will receive a report card along with our intermediate students at the close of first quarter.
It is with great pleasure that I continue to lead Ponca Elementary through the 2020-2021 school year. If you should need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out. We exist to support your child and your family!
I am always Ponca proud, but perhaps am even more proud this year.
With Ponca pride,
Mrs. Abbie Vlcek
Proud Ponca Principal
One Book, One School
It is an expectation that ALL students at Ponca Elementary read each day at home. For kindergarten-second grade students, the goal is 20 minutes each night. For students in grades 3rd-5th grade, the goal is 30 minutes daily. Pre-readers also benefit from hearing you read aloud to them as well as 'reading the pictures'. Students who look at the pictures in a text and add their owns words are building important reading behaviors!
Why you may ask? See the below poster. The research is clear, reading at home has an overwhelming benefit to children's academic performance in all areas. So join your child in reading each night, and THANK YOU for your support as we all work together to build life-long learners at Ponca Elementary!
The World According to Humphrey
You can learn a lot about life by observing another species. That's what Humphrey was told when he was first brought to Room 26. And boy is it true! There are always adventures in the classroom and each weekend he gets to sleep over with different students. Humphrey learns to read, write, shoot rubber bands (only in self-defense, of course), turn off TVs, teach English as a second language, and more. With a lock-that-doesn't-lock and an adventurous spirit, what more could a mischievous hamster want?
With a fresh voice and an engaging, hamster's-eye view of school, families, and treats to hide in a cheek pouch, Betty G. Birney's Humphrey will elicit laughter and demands for hamsters in every elementary classroom.
Click here for more about The World According to Humphrey
A Special Message from Ms. Stone
Don't forget to vote for our next One Book, One School text.
The Boxcar Children
In the first book of the series, THE BOXCAR CHILDREN, Henry (age 14), Jessie (12), Violet (10), and Benny (6) are orphaned and running away from a grandfather they have never met but think is cruel. In order to escape being found, they decide to live on their own in a boxcar abandoned in the woods. Through ingenuity and hard work they make it their home -- building a swimming hole and a fireplace for cooking. When Violet gets seriously ill, Henry seeks help from a friendly doctor who had hired Henry to do household chores. Dr. Moore knows the grandfather is looking for the kids and reunites them with their grandfather, who is kind as well as rich. The first novel ends happily and sets the stage for a series of novels that all revolve around a mystery the four Alden children solve. The kids travel around during vacations and solve mysteries as well as make new friends. Elements from the first book continue throughout.
Click here for more about The Boxcar Children
September Cycle Day Calendar
Social Time
We know an important part of school is social interaction, not only with your teachers, but with peers as well Through innovation, we are creating spaces for kids to have an opportunity to chat with one another in a safe and supervised environment during remote learning.
3-5th Grade Students: Mrs. Vlcek will be hosting "Chow Chats" or lunch bunch groups for students. During these lunches, Mrs. Vlcek will facilitate conversations, games and discussions to keep the conversations going if needed.
K-2nd Grade Students: Mrs. Vlcek will be hosting Wobblin' Jaw (Chit Chat in cowboy speak) Groups in the afternoons. During these groups, students will have an opportunity to sign up to engage in social conversation with their peers. Mrs. Vlcek will facilitate conversations and activities as needed. Activities may include: Would you Rather, Joke Telling, Show and Tell, Scavenger Hunts etc. Times will be staggered throughout the afternoon to ensure students of all grade levels can participate.
I look forward to spending some non-instructional social time with you! Once you have signed, up, a calendar invite will be sent to each of the students in the group. At the time of the group, please have your child select their calendar in the TEAMs app. Then click Join at the time of the event. If a student needs to reschedule, please reach out directly to Mrs. Vlcek at:
It's sure to be a boot scootin' good time!
So long Trailblazers! See ya at Chow Chats and Wobblin' Jaw Groups!
Counselor Corner: Meet Ms. Stanek
Email: mariah.stanek@ops.org
Website: ponca.ops.org
Phone: 531-299-1960
PTA Updates
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
6:00 p.m.
Thanks & Shout Outs!!!
- PTA for purchasing lanyards for all students to keep masks connected for when we return to learn face-to-face.
- PTA for providing breakfast to the staff for the first day of school to keep us going!
- The Ponca Elementary teaching staff for their unwavering dedication to building relationships and providing instruction during the remote learning environment.
- Mrs. Wicken & Mr. Kobes for helping gather and distribute iPads & instructional materials.
- The Ponca community for banding together during this time to ensure all kids feel known, loved and inspired!
Meals2Go Updates
We understand students may share time between more than one household, so we ask you to consult with any other parents or guardians, then submit a single meal request to avoid duplication. The request form will ask for your student’s ID number. That can be found on official mailings from our district or through our family portal at: https://campus.ops.org/campus/portal/ops.jsp. If you are a first-time portal user, please contact your schools secretary for assistance.
During the school year, regulations require different procedures than our summer meals program. Beginning in August, adults picking up meals will need to bring a driver’s license or other document that verifies their identity. On the request form, you will have the opportunity to list two adults who may pick up meals for your student(s). Adults picking up meals will also need to provide a document showing their students' OPS student numbers (report card, school schedule, etc.).
If you have issues with your survey, please reply to this email. If you have questions or concerns about student lunches or the Meals 2 Go pickup, please contact Nutrition Services at 531-299-0230.
Please submit your request by midnight on Wednesday, August 26 to allow time for us to share this information with schools.
Follow this link to the Survey:
Take the Survey
Or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:
https://ops.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cCrpl0U2cb4YIGp?Q_DL=O56sQBrzdOpx55r_cCrpl0U2cb4YIGp_CGC_byBd8DaX0fegWNL&Q_CHL=email
If you no longer want to receive emails or reminders about Meals 2 Go, follow the link to opt out of future emails:Click here to unsubscribe
Contact Us
Email: abbie.vlcek@ops.org
Website: ponca.ops.org
Location: 11300 North Post Road, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: 531-299-1960
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PoncaElementary
Twitter: @OPS_Ponca