Oster Newsletter
November 30, 2022
Rainy Day Reminders
Tomorrow we are forecasted for rain most of the day. Just a friendly reminder, on rainy days and in cold weather, students will continue to play and eat outdoors as much as possible. While covered spaces are available, students like to play in spite of the weather. It is important that students dress for the weather. Students need to eat and play indoors if there is heavy rain or stronger wind. Below are some helpful reminders and guidelines:
Check the weather forecast to assist you and your child make apparel decisions.
Please send students to school during the rainy season with raincoats, boots, and/or umbrellas.
Students will be eating outside when it is cold and playing outside when there is a light sprinkle and cold weather.
On rainy days leave a few minutes earlier in the morning and expect more cars on the road during drop-off.
Write students' names or initials on jackets, hats, and umbrellas. We want to ensure we can return it, if it were to get misplaced or forgotten.
If your child is going to use an umbrella please go over how to open it and carry it safely.
Type of materials: Avoid cotton on cold or wet days. It absorbs and holds water and sweat next to your skin and cools you down. Wool or synthetic materials like polypropylene are best in cold weather, especially next to your skin.
Layering: In cooler weather, start with a base layer of wool or polyester that fits close to the skin. Next, wear a mid-layer for warmth—fleece works well here—and finally a waterproof outer layer that protects against rain and wind.
Key features: Hoods and elastic or Velcro cuffs at the wrists and ankles.
Education Fund - Still Accepting Donations!
WE ALMOST HIT OUR FUNDING GOAL. Thank you to all our families who have donated this year. We are currently at 62% of our goal of reaching $100,000, and we are asking for families who have yet to contribute to please consider giving. Any dollar amount makes a difference and will go directly back to our students.
Without the support of all our Oster families donating their part, we run the unfortunate risk of having to cut out on many of our students’ enrichment programs, such as: Project Cornerstone, Art Vistas, class field trips, assemblies, software & school-based applications, science quiz, music program, P.E. – and MORE!
Direct funding is budgeted over the amount we are asking for per student, which is $250.
Don’t forget to ask if your company offers an employer-match program, as employer matching makes a significant impact on reaching our goal.
Please help us to be successful in this important fundraiser…
The funds you kindly donate are directly provided back to YOUR student! DONATE TODAY!
How Do Students Excused and Unexcused Absences Affect our Funding
Parents may not be aware that we don't receive funding for absent students for either excused or unexcused absences. Excused absences include illness or mental health days. Unexcused absences include taking time off for extended vacations. When a child is not in school, there is a loss financially for the district.
However, if your child is ill or has any symptoms of COVID, please keep them at home until they are symptom-free and test negative. It is important for students to be well to do their best learning and not infect others at school. Those are excused absences, and the loss of funding is unavoidable and understandable.
However, if a family decides to extend their weekend away by a day or two, or take a longer vacation than scheduled by the school, then those absences are unexcused. The school and the district also lose funding for every student every day they have an unexcused absence. With this understanding, please make a concerted effort to make sure that your children are in school every day, barring illness, and to schedule vacations and other "elective absences" around our school calendar.
Remember, there is a cost to the students as well when they miss school. It is important that they be in school to take advantage of the learning opportunities available to them each day. Parents cannot recreate what happens in a classroom at home by doing homework sheets. Aside from illness, the teachers and staff greatly appreciate parents making every effort to have their child in school every day.
Do you have a student entering TK or Kindergarten in the 2023-24 school year? If so, we invite you to join Oster's principal, Mrs. Taormina, for an informational presentation and school tour regarding the TK and Kindergarten program.
Please pre-register using the link below to confirm your attendance and select date preferences.
Pre-registration Form Linked Here
Please note you will be sent an email confirming your orientation/tour date.
USD TK and Kindergarten registration opens on Wednesday, February 1st.
Winter Glow Party
Join us for Oster's Winter Glow Party, brought to you by Oster Home & School Club!
Let's dance, play & have fun! Wear white or neon colors!
Friday, December 9th from 5 - 7
Cougar Science Quiz
Oster Home & School Club presents the December Science Quiz, December 8th & 9th - get signed up and ready to participate!
Common Sense Media-12/15/22 at DMS 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Join us for a fun day of hands-on work in our Oster School Garden.
Coming up on Saturday December 10th, join us for Oster Community Planting Day brought to you by Oster HSC. Experts from UC Master Gardeners will be on-site with kids activities & help answer any gardening questions. We hope to see you there! For more details, visit HSC’s website or Sign up today!
Home & School Club Board meeting 12/7
Don’t miss the December 7th Oster HSC Board Meeting from 6:30-7:30pm in the Oster Staff Lounge! Open mic time at the beginning of the meeting and we welcome feedback and questions! All are welcome and childcare is available; we ask for anyone planning to use childcare to RSVP.
Wondering how to keep know how to keep in touch with your Home and School Club? Easy! Follow a few simple steps:
Get Involved! Check out the variety of volunteering options at: www.osterhsc.org/sign_ups.
Like & Follow:
- Facebook @OSTERHSC
- Instagram @OSTERHSC1855
Dec. 7th: HSC Mtg. @ 6:30 pm
Dec. 16th: School Spirit Day (Pajama Day)
Dec. 19th-Jan.2nd: Winter Break: No School
Crossing Guard Needed
Oster is in need of additional crossing guards for both the morning and afternoon hours. If you are interested in the job and would like more information please contact Oster's front office or email Mrs. Beagle beagleg@unionsd.org
Substitute Teachers Needed
There is currently a substitute shortage across the state and specifically in our district. We would like to spread the word in recruiting more individuals for the position. If you love working and supporting students, becoming a substitute teacher at USD may be the perfect fit. We would love to have you at Oster working with our great teachers, staff, and students!!
If you wish to become a substitute with the Union School District, please contact Terri Skipworth by email at skipwortht@unionsd.org, and let me know that you have reached out. To be eligible for substitute teaching, you will need the following: Your completed application packet Valid California Credential(s) or Emergency 30-Day Sub Permit** Verification of having passed the CBEST* (CA Basic Education Skills Test) A current TB test result (within the last four years) or a TB Risk Assessment Substitute Teacher Pay Rate: Daily Rate: $170 ($85.000 half-day) Long-Term Substitute Daily Rate: $201.45
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