In "Otter" News
For Week #9 - 10/17 -10/21 - A Week
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Good Evening Otter Families!
PLEASE DON"T FORGET TO COMPLETE YOUR IMPACT AID FORM!! Our schools are heavily impacted by federally-connected students – those parents/guardians who work on federal property in Maryland, live on federal property in Maryland, and/or are active duty military personnel. Because of this impact, we receive federal grant funds to operate and maintain our schools and enrich school programs. To receive these funds, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) requires us to survey each student to determine eligibility.
SMCPS is encouraging all parents/guardians to please take the time to access and complete the Impact Aid Survey Form online, located in the Home Access Center (HAC). Once logged in, directions to access the online form can be found HERE. A video with instructions is available HERE. The form can now be accessed in Spanish by clicking on the Globe in the top right-hand corner once the form has been started. The deadline for the online submission of Impact Aid Program Survey forms is November 14, 2022.
Otterly Yours,
Mrs. Anderson (My email remains the same for now, lpdietz@smcps.org)
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The office will be open Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.
UPDATES FROM THE FRONT OFFICE
HVAC Changeover
The month of October always presents a climate-control challenge due to the fluctuating temperatures. Unlike a home HVAC system, once we convert from cooling to heating, we cannot revert back to cooling until the Spring. Currently, our maintenance staff is cleaning the boilers at each school in preparation for the conversion to heat. Below is the Standard Operating Procedure that the Department of Maintenance follows each year. I strongly encourage students and staff to dress in layers as there are typically both hot and cold days in October.
SOP Heating and Cooling System Changeover: Once the forecasted nightly temperatures are consistently below 45 degrees and daytime temperatures do not exceed 55 degrees for two to three consecutive days, we will begin the two-day process of changing the schools over from a cooling mode to a heating mode for the balance of the season. This changeover typically takes place by October 15th of each year. When the ambient conditions are conducive, the changeover will be delayed to ensure the most effective use of resources.
Seeking Substitutes
If you know a substitute, please consider encouraging them to watch for jobs at OES!
Upcoming Music Performances
- November 4th at 10:00 am and 2:30 pm
Thanksgiving Performance (Kindergarten and First Grade)
- November 14th at 10:00 am and 2:30 pm
MEAL MENUS
Top Level Info - Need-To-See for the Week Ahead
STUDENT SCHEDULE FOR NEXT WEEK (10/17--10/21)
Monday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
- Principal's Advisory Committee Meeting
- Bus Driver Appreciation Week
Tuesday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
- Bus Driver Appreciation Week
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
- Bus Driver Appreciation Week
Thursday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
- Bus Driver Appreciation Week
Friday: 9:00 am - 1:45 pm
- 2-hour Early Dismissal Day - Collaborative Planning/Professional Responsibilities - No School for Head Start and PreK Students
- Book Fair opens for students during the school day
Saturday: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Fall Festival
- Book Fair open in Media Center
Book Fair!
Fall Festival - 10/22
Show Appreciation for our Teachers and Staff!
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Next Level Info - Upcoming Events
SAVE THE DATES!
Red Ribbon Week
Winter Break Puzzle Challenge
ORDERS ARE DUE BY 10/25! The order form is linked below. Students will also bring a hardcopy home with them from school.
PTA Spirit Night - MOD Pizza
Yearbook Cover Contest
Entries are due by 11/28/22. Click the document below for more information!
School Store
Click below for the SMCPS Calendar for the 2022-2023 school year.
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COUNSELOR'S CORNER
Passcode: 544012
Passcode: 726440
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UPDATES FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE
Welcome Back!
FAQ
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 100.0 or higher
- Chills or shaking chills
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Congestion or runny nose
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UPDATES FROM THE PTA
Theme
"Community"
Simple Ways to Contribute
- Amazon Smile - https://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7077075
- Harris Teeter VIC Card - As of August 1st, your VIC card can be linked to Oakville Elementary School
- Spirit Nights at local businesses - More information will be shared as they are scheduled.
- Bring or send in Coke product bottle caps and Box Tops
- Help out our Otter Community by starting the year with coffee/ tea (and other k-cups) for staff as well as any extra school supplies for a student in need by dropping off the items on August 22nd at Open House
Be on the lookout for opportunities to sign up to join the PTA at Open House and our first Spirit Night of the year at Sweet Frog!
We are looking forward to a great school year!
President: Stefanie Wines, oakville.pta@gmail.com
Treasurer: Beth Johnson Hill
Secretary: Kim Burroughs
Volunteer Coordinator: Megan Russell
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PreK Pumpkins
Buddy Classroom Fun!
One community committed to the learning and safety of all children.
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