Oster Newsletter
September 14, 2022
Principal's Message
Traffic Reminders
Every year I am asked to address a few traffic issues around our school. Those of us who drive to school in the morning knows the traffic frustration. You likely have asked yourself if what you saw or did was legal. Most people don't violate the traffic laws intentionally; it's usually a case of "I didn't know I couldn't do that, or just need to do it one time" So, to prevent any costly mistakes, I have been asked to remind parents of the most common CVC violations around the school:
In no particular order:
Speeding (25 mph in most school zones) - CVC 22350
Driving through stop signs without stopping - CVC 22450
Disobeying traffic signs (No Left Turn, No Turn on Red, No U-Turn, etc.) - CVC 21461
Driving in the bike lane (sometimes lining up to turn into the school) - CVC 21209
Driving while talking on your cell phone (including the school parking lot) - CVC 23123(a)
Texting, updating Facebook, reading emails, etc.- CVC 23123.5(a)
Blocking an intersection (gridlock) - CVC 22526
Stopping or parking * in the red zone CVC 22500
- *Parking (leaving your car unattended) vs. stopping (remaining in your car)
Not wearing a seatbelt (driver and passengers) - CVC 27315 & 27360
Jaywalking or crossing outside of a crosswalk when available - CVC 21955
Regarding bicycles, I would also like to remind parents that anyone under 18 HAS to wear a helmet. This includes scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, etc. If it is person-powered, kids have to wear helmets. Everyone who rides a bike also has to be on the right side of the roadway. You can not ride against traffic. If your child rides, skates, scoot, or blades to school, please ensure that they wear a helmet and are safe.
Most parents are not performing unsafe driving or pedestrian maneuvers. I've noticed that most of the violations happen within 10-15 minutes of the school drop-off and pick-up times. So if you can get to school a few minutes earlier, you'll probably be able to avoid these traffic issues. Another great way to prevent vehicle traffic is to park several blocks away and walk into the school. The advantage to this is you get a nice parking spot, have a few extra minutes with your children before and at the end of school, and avoid all the headaches of driving in traffic around the school.
Highlighting Oster Pride
Oster's 4th Grade teachers and student presented at USD's Board Meeting this past Monday. The teachers shared how they are intentional about building community and relationships in the first few weeks of school as they transition into routines and norms within the classroom.
Mrs. Isaacs explained how as educators, their goal is to help students develop agency and ownership in the learning process. One way they do this is through morning circle time. Alyaan, a student in Ms. Isaacs’ class, shared during morning circle time students sit down in a circle to bond together to hear each other and share their experiences. Sevval shared that the morning circle makes her feel happy and calm before the learning starts.
Mrs. Ferguson explained that everyone, including students, needs different things to start their day effectively. Teachers use what’s called a Soft Start to begin the school day in the classroom. When students first come in, they do a daily check-in with the teacher and participate in an activity of their choice, whether a quiet activity on their own, or connecting with classmates.
Way to go 4th grade team.
Go Cougars!
~Mrs. Taormina
[Erin’s Law requires schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for grades pre-K through 12. Erin’s Law has now been passed in over 37 states.]
In response to the state mandate of educating students about Erin’s Law, Union School District will be hosting a curriculum called, Be Seen and Heard© - a prevention oriented child sexual abuse program for all students. This curriculum is designed to create an age-appropriate, safe and engaging environment where students will learn about the difference between safe and unsafe touch, the difference between safe and unsafe secrets, and the importance of speaking up to trusted heroes and adults. (Each year the students will learn new concepts and strategies for keeping their bodies safe.)
Parents are invited to attend this special information meeting to preview the concepts of the Be Seen and Heard© curriculum prior to the schools holding the presentations. A Be Seen and Heard© presenter will be available after for a Q/A session. This presentation is open to ALL Union Elementary School District parents/guardians.
Link: https://unionsd.zoom.us/j/86000224639
Flier: Parent Night Flier
If you are unable to come to our parent night, you can watch a preview of the program, entitled “Peace of Mind,” at this website: www.victorpacini.com/peace-of-mind-2
Stay Connected with School and District Information: Get the Parent Square App
Wednesday, September 14th: HSC Meeting @ 6:00 pm
Monday, September 19th: Parent Information Zoom Mtg: Be Seen and Heard
Thursday, September 29th: Be Seen and Heard School Assembly (Tk-4th Grade)
Thursday, September 29th: Be Seen and Heard School Assembly (5th Grade)
Wednesday, October 5th: HSC Mtg. @ 6:30 pm
Monday, October 10th: USD Board Meeting @ 6:00 pm
Join the Oster Home and School Club (HSC) for their first meeting tonight at 6PM in the Oster Staff Lounge.
Meet the new Executive Board and learn about all of the great volunteer opportunities available to support Oster students and staff.
Much of this support is funded by The Education Fund. The drive for donations starts next month! Your donation along with employer matching helps us pay for a number of programs including:
Art Vistas
Project Cornerstone
Library resources
Classroom supplies
Field trips
Assemblies
Teacher appreciation
Classroom subscriptions
JiJi Math
1st grade opera
Media Center supplies
4th grade Gold Rush
Thank you in advance for partnering with us!
Oster Band
- Who: 2nd-5th Grade Students
- When: Tuesdays 7:20am-8am (Fall-Spring)
- Where: Oster Cafeteria, Starting Oct. 4
- Cost. $468
No prior experience is necessary. We will teach you everything! We strive to spread the joys of music in our community!
**This is not a Union School District sponsored event.
USD Health and Safety Information
Oster Elementary School
Principal: Lisa Taormina
Email: taorminal@unionsd.org
Website: https://oster.unionsd.org
Location: 1855 Lencar Way, San Jose, CA, USA
Phone: 408-266-8121
Twitter: @OsterElementary